US EditionUK steps up drought response after driest spring in over a century
- The UK government and agencies stepped up drought response on June 5, 2025, following England's driest spring in over 130 years, with reservoir levels across England falling to 77%, notably below the 93% average for this time of year.
- The prolonged dry weather affecting regions like the northwest, Northeast, Yorkshire, and Midlands led to a drought declaration in the northwest and prompted monthly national drought group meetings including ministers and water companies.
- The Environment Agency increased monitoring of water use by businesses, stepped up compliance checks, and pressured water companies like United Utilities to accelerate leak repairs after reservoir levels dropped below those in 2022's drought year.
- Helen Wakeham, chair of the drought group, noted that this spring has been the driest experienced since 1893, emphasizing the importance of readiness for potential summer droughts amid ongoing climate shifts, while Thames Water indicated uncertainty about avoiding water usage restrictions for its 16 million customers.
- The drought's impact threatens crop yields, with experts warning of another poor harvest and underscoring the need for sustained rainfall and funding to build resilience against increasingly extreme weather caused by climate change.
13 Articles
13 Articles
53% of Europe and Mediterranean Basin Impacted by Drought in Mid-May: Report
Drought impacted 53 percent of lands throughout Europe and the Mediterranean basin from May 11 to 20, 2025, according to data from the European Drought Observatory (EDO). The level of drought was more than 20 points above the average for 2012 to 2024, and the highest recorded for that period in May, reported AFP. “The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) for the period 11-20 May 2025 shows worsening drought conditions in central and eastern Europe,”…
National Drought Group meets after driest spring in 132 years - Water Magazine
The Environment Agency convened a National Drought Group meeting yesterday (5 June 2025) to discuss the latest outlook and hear from water companies about steps they are taking to prepare for the summer. England has only seen 57% of the long-term average May rainfall and spring is the driest since the reign of Queen Victoria. However, the recent rain at the end of May and the start of June is helping to stabilise the position. The expert group…
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