82% of England still in drought despite recent rainfall
England's National Drought Group says recent rain has not materially changed the drought outlook. Some 82% of the country remains in drought, and a dry winter could hit agriculture next year.
Recent rainfall has not been enough to end the drought in England, the National Drought Group has said. The body brings together government and agencies to coordinate the response to drought. According to the group, 82% of the country remains in drought, which could affect water supplies and farming output next year.
The group explained that a swing back to wetter weather at the weekend, along with Storms Austen and Boelo, brought only short-term hydrological benefit. On Wednesday, October 28, North West England moved from prolonged dry weather into recovery.
What is needed to end the drought
For England to be considered out of drought by spring, at least 120% of average rainfall is needed over the next six months. Anything less risks the drought continuing into next year. Devon and Cornwall, and East Anglia, traditionally the driest part of England, are most at risk.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the situation remains serious. She warned that autumn and winter could bring drought and flooding at the same time, as hardened ground struggles to absorb rain. The minister urged water companies to keep taking every available measure to secure supplies, and asked the public to use water wisely.
Severe drought areas
Parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex and West Sussex remain in severe drought. The designation was driven by exceptionally low reservoir levels, particularly at Ardingly in West Sussex, run by South East Water, and Wimbleball in Somerset, used by South West Water and Wessex Water. The status allows extra proactive steps, such as daily monitoring and closer engagement with Local Resilience Forums.
The government has told water companies and the Environment Agency to put public supplies first. The agency has also allowed farmers to take water from rivers outside the traditional abstraction window so farm reservoirs can begin refilling earlier. A dry winter would raise the risk of significant impacts on agriculture next year.
