Storm Austen to Bring October Half-Term Washout to Drought-Hit England

Storm Austen, the first named storm of the season, is set to bring strong winds and heavy rain to Britain starting Thursday night, potentially disrupting travel plans for families during the October half-term. The Met Office officially named the storm on Tuesday morning, and it is expected to bring the wettest and windiest conditions of the autumn so far.

A yellow weather warning for severe wind has been issued for large parts of southeast England, southwest England, and Wales. Gusts of up to 70mph are possible in exposed coastal locations, with winds of 50-60mph likely more widely within the warning area. The Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Tom Crabtree, stated that while the storm's exact track is still being determined, an impactful period of weather is anticipated, with the potential for disruption.

The storm is expected to be at its worst on Friday morning before diminishing later in the day. Between 20mm and 30mm of rain is likely in many areas. The AA has warned that driving conditions could become significantly more challenging, particularly on exposed roads and for those towing caravans or trailers, advising drivers to allow extra time and reduce speed.

The impending rainfall may offer some relief to areas affected by the driest summer on record. Last week, a severe drought was declared in Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset, East Sussex, and West Sussex by the Environment Agency. Water storage levels in Devon and Cornwall have fallen to 31 percent, with Sithians reservoir in Cornwall at only 21 percent capacity, compared to 44 percent a year ago. Wimbleball reservoir in Exmoor has also been significantly depleted, with water supplies at 21 percent capacity. South West Water introduced a hosepipe ban in August and is considering further restrictions.

Rachel Gilmore, MP for Tiverton and Minehead, highlighted concerns over dry reservoirs, stating that the issue of water supply was evident after the summer and called for swift action regarding climate change.

This unsettled weather follows an extended period of summer heat, which saw Britain record its hottest summer. From June 11 until early September, temperatures of at least 20C (68F) were recorded daily somewhere in Britain. Last month was the fourth warmest September since records began in 1864.

The hot and dry summer has also impacted agriculture. Cidermakers are anticipating their worst harvest since 1984, with premature ripening, smaller fruit size, and fruit drop from stressed trees affecting yields. Burrow Hill Cider in Somerset, for example, has seen its crop reduced by approximately 50 percent.

Despite the drought conditions, the National Trust noted that the summer sunshine could contribute to a vibrant autumn landscape, with some plants exhibiting unusual blooming patterns due to recent rainfall. However, the overall display of autumn colours is expected to be more varied than usual.