Mapped: Where Britain is at risk of drought amid hosepipe ban warning
Hosepipe ban warning after driest start to spring in six decades
- England faces a "medium risk" of drought this summer due to the driest start to spring in over six decades, prompting warnings of potential hosepipe bans.
- Rainfall in England from February to April was the lowest since 1956, with April rainfall 50 per cent below the long-term average.
- Northern England experienced even drier conditions, with some areas having the driest start to the year since 1929.
- River flows are exceptionally low in 14 locations, primarily in northern England, while reservoir levels are also lower than normal.
- Water companies are taking measures like repairing leaks and transferring water between regions, while urging customers to conserve water.