Yorkshire has officially entered drought status today, Friday 9 October, due to low water levels in its reservoirs and rivers. This follows a declaration of prolonged dry weather for the area at the end of July.
The region now joins all of central, southern, and eastern England in drought status. The North East and North West remain in a state of prolonged dry weather.
Water Minister Emma Hardy stated that recent rainfall has not been sufficient to replenish water used over spring and summer, highlighting the continued seriousness of the situation. Vicki Townend, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, noted that the area experienced its 5th driest April to September on record, leading to very low river flows and groundwater levels.
The National Drought Group, comprising government, Met Office, regulators, water companies, and other experts, is now meeting weekly to monitor the situation and coordinate actions. The Environment Agency is also processing drought permit applications to help protect public water supplies.