Before a meeting between the government, its environment agency, and water companies to discuss an extended dry period, local media reported that some regions of England were set to declare a drought on Friday. Parts of England are presently going through their second summer heatwave, with temperatures expected to rise above 30 Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) for the next few days. This follows areas of England reaching their highest ever temperature of more than 40C last month. While much of Europe has been sizzling in high temperatures that have sparked large wildfires, unprecedented droughts are causing shortages, damaging crops, and disrupting river trade routes.
This July’s rainfall was only 35% of average, making it the driest on record for some English districts and the driest for all of England since 1935. As a result of this and the prolonged dry forecasts, numerous regions of the country are predicted to formally declare a drought after a meeting of the “National Drought Group,” which is planned to begin on Friday morning. The government claims that no decisions have yet been taken. Any declaration would only have a geographical impact and might not always lead to an immediate response from the government. However, it may force local water suppliers to impose new restrictions on properties or establishments to safeguard supply.
Several water utilities have already made announcements about water use restrictions. The use of hoses and sprinklers will be prohibited for South East Water customers from Friday, while Thames Water, which serves 15 million people in the London area, said it too was preparing restrictions.
