Drought declared for Hampshire and Isle of Wight as dry spell and heatwaves continue
A drought has been declared for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Swathes of England are suffering from “flash drought” as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures, the Environment Agency has said. The government agency said seven areas of central, eastern and southern England – around half of the country – have been declared as officially in drought.
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight is one of those affected regions, as well as our neighbours in Dorset. A drought has not been declared for Sussex, although the area remains in a prolonged spell of dry weather.
Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chairwoman of the National Drought Group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.
“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife, and the economy.
“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”
The weather in the UK shifted dramatically this year, pivoting from an extremely wet winter to a baking hot, dry summer. Across southern England, there has been just one per cent of the expected rainfall this summer.
A fourth heatwave is under way, and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber alerts for the south east, London and more.
Water minister Emma Hardy added: “Our climate is changing, droughts are becoming increasingly common, and we need to be prepared for this new normal.
“We’re delivering long-term change in the water industry and driving record investments in infrastructure, including nine new reservoirs.
“We expect water companies to follow their drought plans, to go further and faster to reduce leaks, and to ensure supplies are not disrupted even in the driest of weather.”
With everyone’s help in using a little less water and following restrictions, current reserves should be enough for the coming months until the next period of sustained rainfall, the Environment Agency believes.
Small steps, such as turning off the taps when brushing teeth or shaving, taking a shorter shower or fixing a leaking toilet can really add up.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Will Lang, said: “The warm and exceptionally dry conditions experienced across much of England over recent months are continuing to have a significant impact. Many areas have received very little or no rainfall throughout July, extending a period of below-average rainfall that has persisted across parts of the country since spring.
"While there are indications of occasional unsettled spells during the first part of August, bringing the chance of rain to some locations, there is currently little sign of the widespread, sustained rainfall that would be needed to make a significant difference to the areas most affected by the dry weather.
"The Met Office continues to work closely with the Environment Agency and partners across the water sector, providing expert meteorological information and forecasts to support drought monitoring, planning and response activities."