Met Office warns expected rain may not ease drought

Drought conditions could persist into winter across the UK, despite forecasts for a wetter-than-average autumn and increasing flood risks, officials warn.

- REBECCA SPEARE-COLE

The Met Office and Environment Agency say the current outlook for September, October, and November shows a higher likelihood for wetter and windier conditions compared to the 30-year average.

However, they caution that the anticipated rainfall may not be sufficient to fully reverse the severe impact of this year's record-breaking dry and hot summer, which saw several regions declare drought status and implement hosepipe bans.

It also means that areas of the UK could feasibly experience both drought and flooding at the same time, as the storm season kicks off and flood risks increase.

The warning comes as the government's Flood Resilience Taskforce is set to meet today to discuss preparations for possible flooding in the coming months and recent progress made on defences.

The taskforce, which was set up last September to boost the country's response to increasingly extreme weather, has been working on measures such as warning systems, real-time data, and bolstering flood defences.

The Met Office said its autumn outlook will help the taskforce prepare for the forthcoming winter period and ensure communities are better protected from the impact of flooding.