Drought fears in central and southern England as dry April leaves rivers low

Central and southern England are facing growing concerns over drought conditions following one of the driest Aprils on record. Rainfall across these regions was 23% below average, with some areas such as Shoeburyness in Essex receiving just 0.6mm of rain—only 2% of the monthly average. This has resulted in notably low river levels, particularly in central and southern England and eastern Scotland, where hydrological surveys predict below-normal river flows for the coming three months. These conditions raise the risk of water shortages if dry weather persists through the summer. The driest conditions were especially pronounced in East Anglia and the south-east, with Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire receiving less than 5% of their average rainfall. Cambridgeshire, already one of the most water-stressed areas in the UK, faces increasing pressure on its water supply. Local authorities have warned of potential shortfalls in the future, highlighting the vulnerability of regions like Cambridge, which typically receives about half the national average rainfall. Farmers in southern and eastern England have also expressed concern over water scarcity as the dry spell continues. Despite the dry conditions, some parts of the UK, including north-west England and western Scotland, are expected to maintain normal or above-normal river flows. Southern Water, which supplies 2.7 million customers across Kent, Sussex, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight, reported that while rainfall was only 20% of the long-term average in April and 15% so far in May, reservoir storage remains relatively high at 92%. The company emphasized ongoing monitoring and water efficiency measures to mitigate drought risks and protect both customers and the environment. Met Office forecasts suggest May may bring wetter conditions, potentially easing some drought pressures. However, the current situation underscores the challenges posed by prolonged dry spells in water-stressed regions of England, raising concerns about sustainable water management amid changing climate patterns.