The government has told water companies not to lose momentum and to carry on water efficiency measures until the drought is over.
The latest National Drought Group meeting revealed there was no change in status, with almost three-quarters of England remaining in drought.
New research has shown the UK needs 120% of typical rainfall over the next seven months for all areas to be considered out of drought.
“The recent rainfall is not yet enough to replenish all the water we’ve used over the last six months, and I will be carefully monitoring the actions of water companies which will be vital as we go through the autumn,” said water minister Emma Hardy.
She added that water companies need to “maintain momentum” by fixing leaks quickly, following drought plans without delay and working to reduce demand.
“Long-term resilience is a priority for this government, and we are working with water companies and regulators on nine major reservoirs to secure future supplies,” she said.
The outlook for wetter weather in autumn is set to bring some relief to most drought-hit areas; however, even in the most likely weather scenario, Devon & Cornwall and East Anglia are expected to still be in drought by the start of April 2027.
There is also roughly a one in four chance that around half of the country will still be in drought next spring – and currently around a 1% chance of a severe drought in the coming months.
“The drought situation remains very serious, and we cannot underestimate the challenge ahead over the coming months,” said Environment Agency CEO Philip Duffy. “Water supplies are limited and we continue to balance the needs of agriculture, public water supply, and our environment.”
The Met Office has forecasted the second half of September will see a return to drier conditions, particularly in the south where rain is needed the most.
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