UK Weather: Drought and Hosepipe Bans Remain Despite Wettest Week Since Early February
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Drought and Hosepipe Bans Despite Recent Rainfall
In the last few days of August and start of September, more rain fell than any other week since early February, according to the Environment Agency. Despite this, all of Wales and most of England remains in drought, with water companies reminding customers that temporary hosepipe bans are still in force.
More rain is forecast this week, but sustained rainfall is needed to reverse drought conditions. While some areas experienced a brief return to summer heat over the weekend, the weather since early September has been more unsettled.
According to Environment Agency (EA) figures, the week from 28 August to 3 September saw rainfall totals ranging from 26mm in south-east England to 48mm in central England. However, the National Drought Group reported that water storage continued to decline at most reservoirs.
There has been no change to the EA drought status or the temporary use bans in force across ten water company areas. The EA suggests that further significant rainfall is needed to return to normal conditions.
Varying Rainfall Across the UK
The first week of September has seen a big variation in rainfall across the UK. Parts of Scotland have already experienced half the average September rainfall, while southern England and south Wales have been largely dry.
On Tuesday, rain will spread south-east across much of England and Wales, with parts of the Midlands and eastern England expecting a few millimetres. Showers will continue to move in across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, along with strong winds.
Temperatures this week will be around the early September average of 17 to 21°C, potentially warming up slightly later in the week.
The long-range forecast currently doesn’t indicate any significant rainfall needed to alleviate drought conditions for the next month at least.
