The National Drought Group is now meeting weekly in response to intensifying drought conditions across England. This move follows a COBR meeting chaired by Prime Minister Andy Burnham and marks a further escalation in the government's efforts to address the threat of wildfires and drought.
The expert group, which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, farmers, and conservation experts, convened this afternoon to discuss the current situation and ongoing actions. Rural Communities Minister Jenny Riddell-Carpenter stated that these have been some of the driest conditions in decades, impacting communities, farmers, and the environment.
Despite recent rainfall and cooler temperatures, these will not significantly impact water resources. Almost three-quarters (71.3%) of England is in drought, and meaningful signs of recovery are not expected until later this year. Drought conditions are only considered over once rivers, reservoirs, and groundwaters are fully replenished, which can take months of significant and sustained rainfall.
There is also a current risk of surface water flooding due to heavy rain running off compacted ground. The government is investing at least £10.5 billion by March 2036 for new flood and coastal erosion schemes and to repair existing defences. The Environment Agency has also completed 250 projects in the last two years, protecting almost 62,000 properties from flooding.
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy, who chaired the National Drought Group, noted that while the recent rain is needed, it is not enough to change the overall drought picture. He added that simultaneous drought and flood are possible when heavy rain falls on compacted soils. Nine water companies in England have imposed restrictions, impacting 29 million customers.
Last week, a £65 million package was announced to support farmers, including £15 million for approximately 100 new reservoirs. Dr Katie Facer-Childs, a senior hydrologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), indicated that it will take several months for river flows and reservoirs to return to normal after an exceptionally hot and dry summer. Current forecasts suggest river flows are likely to remain low into the new year, especially in the south east, and a dry winter could leave parts of the UK vulnerable to drought again next year.