Water use warning as drought expected to continue next year

THE public are being urged to use water wisely as officials warn that England must prepare for an ongoing drought into 2026.

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The national drought group, which includes the Met Office, regulators, government, water companies, and other organisations, convened on Thursday as autumn rainfall remains insufficient to offset the dry conditions of spring and summer.

Drought conditions are now expected to continue through to next year unless there is significantly more rain in the coming months, the expert group said.

The recent wet weather has helped ease shortages in two areas - Cumbria and Lancashire, and Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, with officials announcing they have moved out of drought status and into drought recovery status as of Thursday.

But the group also warned their position is fragile and with further dry weather, these areas could move back to drought.

Households are being asked to take water conservation measures, from turning off taps when they are not in use to fitting a water butt to capture rainfall.