Rainfall not enough

The National Drought Group (NDG) has warned that England’s drought will persist through the autumn despite recent rainfall.

August saw just 42% of average rainfall, while summer 2025 has been confirmed as the hottest since records began in 1884. Reservoirs remain critically low, averaging 56.1% full compared with the seasonal norm of 82.8%.

Five regions are still officially in drought, with more likely to follow in the weeks ahead. Groundwater levels continue to decline and hosepipe bans remain in place across Yorkshire, Thames, South East and Southern Water regions.

Nature under pressure

Wildlife has been hit hard, with salmon and natterjack toads struggling to spawn in dried-up pools. Hedgehogs and garden birds are also suffering due to falling insect numbers, while wetland birds such as curlew are losing habitats.

At least 3,000 hectares of protected land have been destroyed by wildfire this year.

Dr Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said the drought was having a “catastrophic effect” on flora and fauna, warning that impacts last long after rain returns.

Calls to save water

The Environment Agency stressed the importance of households and businesses cutting usage, with chair Alan Lovell noting: “While we have seen some recent rain, it is nowhere near enough to reverse the impact of the last seven months.”

Water companies are increasing leak repairs and offering water-saving support to customers, while government ministers say new reservoirs are being planned to secure future supply.

Met Office forecasts suggest wetter-than-average conditions ahead, particularly in the north and west, but experts caution that it will take a sustained wet winter to restore water reserves and ease drought pressures.