Thames source dries up ‘for first time’ during drought

The source of the Thames has dried up for what river experts say is the first time they have seen, with forecasters warning of further high temperatures to come.

- Helena Horton

The river’s source has shifted from its official start point outside Cirencester in Gloucestershire during the continuing dry weather this summer and is now about 5 miles downstream.

Dr Rob Collins, the director of policy and science at the Rivers Trust charity, said: “Following the prolonged dry weather, the source of the Thames in Gloucestershire has dried up, with a weak flow now only just about discernible more than 5 miles downstream (at Somerford Keynes ).

“Under our changing climate we can anticipate the frequency and severity of such periods of drought and water scarcity to intensify, with increasing competition for a dwindling resource and devastating impacts on aquatic life.”

The Met Office said yesterday that the heatwave and dry weather show no signs of letting up, with little rain forecast for the next week, and temperatures that could rise to the mid-30s.