Dry spring brings fears of drought

Figures covering spring so far - March 1 to May 11 - also show that south-east England recorded only 34.9mm of rain in this period, the fourth lowest total since daily data began in 1931, while north-east England saw 39.5mm from March 1 to May 11 this year - the lowest since 1938.

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With the dry weather, households in some parts of the country are being warned of the potential for usage restrictions later in the year.

In an appearance before the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee, Thames Water chief executive Chris Weston said the company is doing “all we need to” to prepare for potential water shortages, and had learned from 2022's drought year, when it came close to running out of water.

However, he said: “I am confident we won't run out of water, I’m not confident we won't have to restrict usage, because that will depend on what the weather does and what rainfall happens between now and the summer.”