Despite July rainfall: Work to combat summer drought continues

Despite heavy rain helping to replenish reservoirs, officials in the UK will continue to plan for a potential summer drought.

The Environment Agency said this week that it will preparing for all weather eventualities for summer and autumn in an attempt to avoid widespread water shortages as seen in 2022.

Heavy rainfall in July has helped to bolster rivers and reservoirs, which were running low after the warmest June on record and a dry May.

Cornwall, Devon, and parts of East Anglia officially remain in drought. The Environment Agency says they are working with water officials in the region to investigate potential new sources of water.

Some water restrictions are already in place for the three regions, including hosepipe bans.

Bans are also active in areas of Kent and Sussex due to an increased demand for water in recent hot weather.

As of July 19, reservoir capacity in England was measured at 79%. In July 2022, levels fell to an average of 64%.

As the UK prepares for potential drought, intense heat across the U.S. and Europe means that this July is likely to become the hottest in hundreds, if not thousands of years, according to a NASA climatologist.

Heat records have been broken in China and multiple EU countries. With El Niño still building, it is expected that 2024 will become even warmer.