London: The UK Department for Environment has issued a warning that England should prepare for a prolonged drought extending into 2026, unless there is significant rainfall during the upcoming autumn and winter seasons. The warning comes amid concerns about the country's water resources, following a record dry spring and an unusually warm summer.
According to Kuwait News Agency, a statement from the National Drought Group highlighted the pressing issue after a meeting held in central London. The expert group, which includes representatives from the Met Office, government bodies, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers' Union, Canal and River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts, discussed the dire situation. An Environment Agency presentation during the meeting revealed that England requires at least 100 percent of average rainfall, totaling 482mm, by the end of March next year to recover from the drought. So far in 2025, only two months have exceeded 100 percent of average rainfall.
Various sectors, including water companies, agriculture, navigation, and energy, have been urged to implement measures to enhance their resilience in the face of a prolonged drought. The National Drought Group commended the public's cooperation with hosepipe bans, which have helped conserve water in local rivers and lakes.
The Met Office reported that the summer of 2025 was the hottest since records began in 1884, while the spring was the driest in 132 years.