"The risk of drought is rising across large parts of England after an unusually dry start to spring pushed river flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture below seasonal norms, according to the latest official hydrological outlook."
"Government data released this week warned that central and southern England are particularly vulnerable, with "below normal to notably low river flows" expected to persist through the rest of May and potentially into July."
"Officials said declining rainfall has already led to noticeable soil moisture deficits across England, especially in southern and eastern regions that rely heavily on stable groundwater and river systems for agriculture and domestic supply. River flow indicators fell at every monitored site during April, while groundwater levels also declined almost universally."
"The situation has not yet reached formal drought conditions, and forecasters expect some rainfall during May. However, concern is growing among farmers and local authorities that continued dry weather could create serious pressures later in the year."
An unusually dry start to spring has reduced river flows, groundwater levels, and soil moisture below seasonal norms across large parts of England. Central and southern England are particularly vulnerable, with below normal to notably low river flows expected to persist through the rest of May and potentially into July. Two consecutive dry months have followed, including the driest April in eastern and southeastern England since 2011, with national rainfall 23% below average. Soil moisture deficits are already noticeable, and river flow indicators fell at every monitored site during April while groundwater levels declined almost universally. Reservoir levels remain slightly above average but storage has begun to fall. Formal drought conditions have not yet been reached, though continued dry weather could create serious pressures later in the year.
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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