National Drought Group meets after dry spring and recent heatwave

Weather whiplash continues as climate change brings increasingly volatile weather

Just three months after the last drought officially ended, the parched conditions this spring have increased the risk of drought this summer. 

The National Drought Group met yesterday (Thurs 18th June) and heard that while water resources remain in a relatively healthy position following an exceptionally wet winter,

some areas are already seeing the impacts of drier conditions. 

Spring has seen a marked north-south divide emerging, with Northern England receiving 90% of average rainfall in recent months compared to just 50% in Southern England. 

East Anglia is set to return to prolonged dry weather next week, while Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. The late May heatwave - which brought six consecutive days above 30°C in some areas and a new May record high of 35.1°C in West London - has added to concerns if these conditions are repeated.  

As we mark the infamous drought of 1976, industry leaders at the drought group discussed the action being taken to prepare for summer. The Environment Agency is working with water companies on their drought plans and is actively monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns. 

National Drought Group chair and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said:  

We enter summer in a generally favourable position, but we can never be complacent ahead of those crucial drier months.   

Heatwaves will continue to be a concern as they can drive spikes in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our finite water wisely.   

While many of us enjoy the hot weather, we ask everyone to be mindful of their water use. Every drop saved leaves more available for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife.

The National Drought Group brings together the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts to share intelligence on water resources, ongoing research, and preparations for future drought - working collectively to protect the country’s finite water supplies. 

The group noted the particular pressure prolonged dry weather places on the farming sector. Farmers have reported issues with the growth of spring crops and have had to begin irrigating earlier than normal because of the dry soils. The Environment Agency is working closely with farmers to understand and respond to their water needs, alongside longer-term work with government to build resilience in a changing climate. 

National Farmers’ Union Deputy President, Paul Tompkins, said: 

Food security depends on profitable farm businesses having reliable access to the water needed to produce food for the nation. Irrigation is vital for the growth of many crops.  

With current projections for summer water availability ranging from moderate to poor in parts of the country, it is essential that farmers and growers retain the flexibility within their licences to access water when it is available to sustain crop production. 

To safeguard our domestic food supply, we must build resilience to climate volatility. To secure farmers and growers’ access to water during shortages, they need enabling planning rules and regulatory reforms that support on-farm water storage, investment in water efficiency and innovation in more water-efficient crops and systems.

The public also has a vital role to play. Small changes at home can make a surprising difference - a leaking toilet alone can waste up to 400 litres a day, a similar amount to what most people use in three days. Simple measures like fitting a water butt, using the eco setting on dishwashers and washing machines, and installing a low-flow shower head all add up to meaningful savings that help keep rivers healthy and taps running.  

Met Office Head of Environment and Energy Sarah Davies said:  

The weather in recent months highlights the variability we can experience, with a notably dry spring followed by a much wetter start to June, and more settled, drier conditions returning more recently.  

Looking ahead to the rest of June and into July, the Met Office long range forecast suggests conditions are likely to remain widely dry and settled, with above average temperatures for many areas. However, there remains the potential for more changeable and unsettled periods at times.

Climate change means the risk of drought is increasing and the last decade alone has seen droughts in 2018/19, 2022 and 2025.   

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of England’s last severe drought, which resulted in widespread ecological devastation, crop failures, rota cuts and standpipes, plus a swarm of billions of starving ladybirds.