Drought declared in Yorkshire after extremely dry spring
The UK region facing water restrictions after drought declaration
- Yorkshire has officially declared a drought due to critically low river flows and groundwater levels, exacerbated by one of the driest springs on record, according to the Environment Agency.
- The declaration follows a similar announcement for the North West in late May, encompassing areas such as Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Cheshire, Cumbria, and Lancashire.
- The UK experienced its hottest spring on record, coupled with the driest conditions in decades, placing immense strain on crops and natural habitats, with millions of households warned to prepare for potential water restrictions this summer.
- Yorkshire Water warned that water restrictions are possible this summer unless the county sees "significant rainfall" in the coming months, though the declaration of drought does not immediately change the situation for customers.
- Scientists have warned that drought conditions will become more intense in the UK with climate change, putting strain on water resources, with reservoir levels across England falling to new lows.