More than 45 million people are now living in areas under drought conditions as August begins with more dry weather and the fifth heatwave of the year.
More than two-thirds of England is affected, and the entirety of Wales. Only the northern-most regions are not been issued official drought status, but remain in the high-risk ‘prolonged dry weather’ category.
The National Drought Group says that most of the country (71.3 per cent) is now experiencing a ‘flash drought’, owing to the prolonged lack of rain paired with back-to-back heatwaves.
All regions are experiencing pressure on water resources, the agency has warned, with serious impacts farming, public health, and the environment.
Over 27 million people are now having their water usage restricted as nine water companies issue official hosepipe bans.
Southern Water, which serves areas spanning through Kent, Sussex and Hampshire, has now applied to the government for a special ‘non-essential use ban’. If implemented, the move would restrict businesses from activities like washing cars and filling swimming pools.
What is a flash drought?
The National Drought Group describes a flash drought as a weather event which “develops very quickly brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures”.
As the name suggests, these conditions bring about a drought over a relatively short time – a matter of weeks or months rather than over multiple seasons.
Unusually low rainfall in June, July and August so far has made this summer one of Britain’s driest on record.
Rainfall totals for July were just 1 per cent of the expectation on average for the south-east of England. The north-west, which is not in an official drought, saw just 29 per cent.
Parts of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and West Sussex have now not seen rain for around two months.
The hot weather has also contributed to the declaration of a flash drought, with wetlands, reservoirs and rivers losing water at an above-average pace.
England reservoir levels fell 16 per cent during July according to the Environment Agency – the biggest reduction in the month for at least 30 years.
Meanwhile, river flows are declining, with only 14 per cent at normal levels for this time of year. The rivers Avon, Wye, Ely, Ouse and Exe are all amongst the 22 per cent that are now exceptionally low.
Tony Grayling, Strategic Drought Lead at the Environment Agency and Chair of the National Drought Group, said: “Drought conditions are worsening and will continue to do so until we see significant and sustained rainfall.
“We know the hot and dry weather is taking a real toll on farming and there will be long-lasting impacts on our environment.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated over the summer, but we need everyone’s help in using a little less water to make sure our current water reserves last. Every drop we can save is a drop more for your local farmers, local wildlife and local rivers.”
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