UK drought persists and hosepipe bans stay despite wettest week since February

The Environment Agency reported that the week from 28 August to 3 September delivered the most rain since early February, with totals from 26 mm in southeast England to 48 mm in central England. Despite this, the National Drought Group notes that most reservoirs continue to lose water, and drought status has not changed for Wales and most of England. As a result, water companies maintain temporary hosepipe bans across ten supply zones.

Rainfall distribution has been highly variable: Scotland has received about half its normal September amount, while locations in southern England and south Wales recorded less than a millimeter. Additional rain is expected later in the week, but meteorologists warn that a prolonged wet spell is required to restore normal water levels. Cooler temperatures have reduced demand, yet officials stress that significant, sustained precipitation is essential to end the drought.