Image description: A dandelion amongst drought-stricken grass. Image by Myriams-Fotos from Pixabay

A strikingly dry spring in the south and east

Reporting on the latest UK hydrological survey, the Guardian highlights that one of the driest Aprils on record for central and southern England has left river levels below normal, raising fears of drought in some areas over the coming summer months. April rainfall was 23% below average nationally, according to Met Office figures, with conditions particularly acute in the east and south-east. Shoeburyness in Essex recorded just 0.6mm of rain for the entire month, which equates to just 2% of the monthly average and its driest April on record. Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire meanwhile received less than 5% of average April rainfall.

Significant regional variation

The picture is not uniform across the UK. The hydrological survey suggests that central and southern England and eastern Scotland face notably low river flows over the next three months, but the north-west and western Scotland are expected to see normal to above-normal flows. Met Office forecasts for the remainder of May point towards a wetter period ahead, which may offer some relief.

Water stress already acute in the east

The Guardian’s report underlines that the affected regions were already among the most water-stressed in the UK before this dry spell. Cambridge is regularly cited as the driest city in the country, receiving around half the national average rainfall, and the east of England is formally classified as severely water-stressed. Farmers in southern and eastern England are already expressing concern, with Cambridgeshire’s environment and green investment committee recently told that a future shortfall in water supply was expected.

Water companies monitoring closely

Southern Water, which serves 2.7 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, reported that its area received just 20% of long-term average rainfall in April and only 15% so far in May. However, the company noted that reservoir storage remains at 92% and that most rivers and groundwater stores are currently stable and in a stronger position than at the same point last year. The company said it begins drought preparations early to minimise impact on customers and the environment, and that it is focused on maximising efficient use of water resources during dry periods.