The drought which has affected the UK since this summer's exceptionally hot and dry weather could last until next year, it has been warned. The National Drought Group - made of up of Environment Agency bosses, the Government and water companies as well as farming and environmental groups - made the forecast following a meeting today (Friday, October 14).
At the meeting, members discussed how a dry autumn and winter could have an impact in 2023. Water companies have suggested impending drought or drought conditions will remain beyond spring in some areas – notably in parts of the South West, South East, East and Yorkshire and East Midlands - if rainfall is below average.
The latest monthly national water situation report, published by the Environment Agency, shows that for the first time in six months, September rainfall across England as a whole reached average levels. However, due to soils remaining drier than usual, this has made little or no difference to reservoir levels and most of the country remains in drought.
