England is bracing for what could be its worst drought in decades next year, prompting the government and water companies to activate emergency response plans.
The UK Met Office has forecast below-average rainfall for the coming winter. Officials warn that if the trend continues, strict water-use restrictions may become unavoidable.
Executives at one of England’s major water suppliers told The Guardian they are deeply concerned about the unusually dry conditions. Although droughts develop gradually, early signs are already visible. Much of England faced water shortages last summer, with supply interruptions across several regions.
Thanks to heavy rainfall in the previous autumn and winter, reservoirs had temporarily recovered — but recent months of dry weather have depleted supplies again. National reservoir levels have now dropped to 63%, far below the seasonal average of 76%, with some in southern England below 30%.
Water Minister Emma Hardy said the government is monitoring all regions closely and coordinating with the National Drought Group to secure long-term water supplies, including the development of new reservoirs.
Environmental expert Alastair Chisholm warned that the combination of population growth, hotter summers, and decades without new reservoirs could make next year’s drought far more severe.
Sources: The Guardian, Anadolu Agency.