Urgent drought and wildfires warning issued amid UK heatwave
The widespread impact of ‘nationally significant’ water shortfall
- England is facing "nationally significant" water shortfalls, with five regions officially in drought and six others experiencing prolonged dry weather.
- Reservoir levels across England are significantly below average for this time of year, at 67.7 per cent full compared to the usual 80.5 per cent, and nearly half of the country's rivers have abnormally low flows.
- The ongoing water scarcity, exacerbated by climate change and a sixth consecutive month of below-average rainfall, is causing widespread environmental and agricultural damage, including reduced crop yields and increased wildfire risks.
- A fourth heatwave is anticipated in August, which will further strain already overstretched water supplies, following July being recorded as the fifth warmest on record.
- Authorities are urging the public to conserve water, with hosepipe bans in effect in several areas, while fire services warn of insufficient resources to tackle the rising number of wildfires.