England has recovered from a period of drought after enduring above-average rainfall for four consecutive months, resulting in widespread flooding across various regions of the country, as confirmed by the Environment Agency.
The final area to transition out of the drought recovery phase was East Anglia, leading to all parts of England now being classified as having a “normal” status.
This update follows the recent meeting of the National Drought Group, comprising representatives from the Met Office, government bodies, regulatory agencies, water companies, farming associations, environmental organizations, and experts in hydrology and conservation.
While the Environment Agency has assessed the drought risk for 2026 as currently low, they caution against the potential of a “flash drought” scenario triggered by a sudden combination of minimal rainfall and high temperatures – a situation witnessed in the summer of 2022.
Furthermore, experts warn of an increase in “weather whiplash” due to climate change, leading to more frequent and rapid shifts between periods of drought and flooding.
The winter season brought heavy rainfall, causing significant flooding in regions like the South West. This contrasts sharply with conditions experienced in England the previous year, marked by severe drought during the driest spring in 132 years, followed by a scorching hot summer with record-breaking temperatures and recurring heatwaves.
The adverse conditions impacted farmers, damaged river habitats, and led to the implementation of hosepipe bans affecting millions of households. Helen Wakeham, chairwoman of the National Drought Group and director of water at the Environment Agency, expressed that last year’s drought presented challenges affecting agriculture, wildlife, and public water supplies.
Despite the positive impact of winter rainfall on replenishing reservoirs and rivers, officials remain cautious of the flooding risks it poses. Water companies are urged to promptly address burst pipes and be prepared to activate drought contingency plans if necessary.
February saw rainfall at 170% of the long-term average, with March recording 53% of the month’s average rainfall to date. Currently, reservoir storage levels in England stand at 95%, slightly exceeding the typical levels for this time of year, although specific reservoirs in Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Derbyshire remain below average.
Soil moisture has been fully restored, and groundwater and river flows are at normal or above-normal levels throughout England. All regions have exited the drought status, and there are no existing water company restrictions in place.
While the South West experienced extensive flooding due to the second-highest winter rainfall on record, East Anglia’s river and groundwater levels are taking longer to recover from the previous drought. Water Minister Emma Hardy emphasized the importance of drought preparedness in light of the changing climate, urging water companies to update their drought plans by the end of March to anticipate more extreme dry conditions.
In conclusion, the recent weather patterns highlight the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures to address the challenges posed by both drought and flooding scenarios.
