Overview

• England has experienced its driest start to spring since 1956, with March and April recording only 43% and 56% of average rainfall respectively.
• Reservoir levels are at 84% capacity, lower than the 90% recorded at the same time in the 2022 drought year, raising concerns about water supply.
• The Environment Agency has declared a 'medium' risk of summer drought and urged water companies to implement measures such as reducing leaks and rolling out smart meters.
• Farmers have started irrigating crops earlier than usual, increasing pressure on water resources, while wildfires have been reported in areas like Cumbria, Derbyshire, and Dorset.
• The government’s national drought group convened to address the situation, with discussions emphasizing the need for infrastructure investment and climate-resilient practices.