The UK is bracing itself for a second consecutive year of drought conditions as the longest dry spell in Central England since 1995 shows no signs of abating. Wisley in Surrey has endured an unprecedented 33 consecutive days without significant rainfall, mirroring a notably dry spring across similar regions.
While overall UK summer rainfall is below average, stark regional differences have emerged. Eastern and north-eastern England have received just 26% of their anticipated total summer rainfall by mid-July, compared to above-average precipitation in northern and western Scotland. The current drought situation bears striking similarities to last year's, when a nationwide drought was declared across much of England, Wales, and eastern Scotland.
The prolonged dry spell has not escalated into a full-blown drought as quickly as last year due to a relatively wet autumn and winter replenishing aquifers, rivers, and reservoirs. However, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology warns that 'flash droughts', characterised by sudden shifts from wet to dry conditions, are likely to become more frequent and intense.
High pressure is forecast to dominate the weather for at least the next five days, with only isolated light showers possible in coastal areas. Rain-bearing fronts are anticipated to move in from the north-west over the weekend but will likely weaken by the time they reach southern regions. This could offer little relief to the parched south and east of England that needs it most.
The prolonged dry weather has already led to practical measures, with millions of customers across England facing hosepipe bans due to water restrictions. The Environment Agency reports that 87% of English river flows are at 'below normal to exceptionally low levels', while in Wales, only 5% of July's expected rainfall has fallen. Natural Resources Wales has elevated the status of northern and south-eastern regions to 'prolonged dry weather status' as part of its drought response plan.