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The recent focus on heatwaves and hot weather has overshadowed the severity of the current dry spell. Hosepipe bans are already in place for customers of Yorkshire and South East Water, with other companies considering similar measures if water supplies do not improve. The Environment Agency has highlighted areas experiencing drought or prolonged dry weather, prompting the National Drought Group to convene for discussions.
In times of hot and dry weather, comparisons are often drawn to the historic drought of the summer of 1976. However, assessing the causes of a drought involves more than just looking at rainfall or water reserves. Factors such as population growth, urban development, evolving water usage patterns, and the distribution of rainfall all play a role in shaping drought conditions in the UK.
Spring marked the second driest period on record for England and the sixth driest across the UK. While spring rainfall impacts river and reservoir levels, a comprehensive analysis must consider autumn and winter rainfall, which replenishes groundwater levels. Since the start of the current hydrological year in October 2024, rainfall has been approximately 20% below average, making it one of the driest periods since the notable 1976 drought.
Historical data from previous droughts, like the 1976 water scarcity crisis, provide valuable insights into the severity of current conditions. While the total rainfall from October 2024 to June 2025 surpasses the figures from 1976, the forecast for the rest of the summer remains crucial. With below-average rainfall projections, water companies have already imposed restrictions, indicating the potential for further hosepipe bans in the upcoming weeks or months
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