Despite experiencing the wettest week since early February, large parts of England and Wales continue to endure drought conditions, with all of Wales and most of England officially remaining in drought status. Water companies are reminding the public that temporary hosepipe bans are still in effect, even with the recent increase in rainfall and a decrease in water demand due to cooler weather.
The week of August 28 to September 3 saw rainfall totals ranging from 26mm in the southeast of England to 48mm in central England, according to the Environment Agency. While this period was the wettest since early February, it has not been enough to reverse the ongoing drought.
The National Drought Group has reported that water levels in most reservoirs continued to decline. The Environment Agency has not altered the official drought status or the temporary use bans that are currently active across ten water company areas.
Forecasters predict more rain in the coming week. However, officials emphasize that sustained and significant rainfall is necessary to return water levels to normal conditions. The Environment Agency suggests that while the recent cooler and wetter weather has reduced water demand, further substantial rainfall is required to alleviate the drought.
Meteorological autumn began with unsettled weather patterns, and while some areas experienced a brief return of summer heat over the weekend, the overall trend since the start of September has been wetter. Despite this, the cumulative effect of the rainfall has not yet been sufficient to lift the drought status or lift the restrictions on water use.
Museum of the Great Plains https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/articles/cgl7zn37jw8o