Severe Drought Declared in Six English Counties

A severe drought has been declared in parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex, the government announced following a meeting of the National Drought Group.

The declaration comes as millions of people are already subject to hosepipe bans, implemented after a summer of record-breaking temperatures. Officials from the Environment Agency convened to discuss England's water resources and the current drought conditions.

Earlier this week, concerns were raised that hundreds of thousands of individuals could face water shortages this winter, a consequence of an exceptionally dry spring and summer. Ardingly Reservoir, which supplies water to approximately 280,000 residents in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, and surrounding areas in East Sussex, has seen its levels drop significantly, now standing at just 20.2% full, down from 22.8% a week prior.

Rainfall deficits have been substantial, with some areas experiencing over 80% less rainfall than the monthly average last month. John Halsall, chief executive of South East Water, stated that supplies in the region are under "severe pressure," and that standpipes might be reintroduced to the streets for the first time in 50 years.

Halsall also confirmed the end of exemptions to a months-long hosepipe ban in Sussex, with restrictions expected to remain in place until next year. He acknowledged that customer efforts to reduce water consumption had not met expectations, with demand only decreasing by about 5% instead of the anticipated 10%. Furthermore, he admitted that recent water outages in Tunbridge Wells and other locations had eroded customer confidence.

Meanwhile, the Met Office has forecast rain, often heavy, for northern England and Wales. Unseasonably warm temperatures are expected across England and Wales, with drier conditions and sunny spells predicted. Rain is anticipated across central and southern England, as well as Wales, tonight. The weekend is expected to be largely sunny but cooler, with a likelihood of rural frost overnight.