England is preparing for what could be its worst drought in decades, with reservoirs and groundwater levels remaining critically low after months of record-breaking dryness.
Officials have warned that large parts of the country could face severe water shortages next year if the coming winter fails to deliver sufficient rainfall. Forecasts indicate another season of below-average precipitation, deepening concerns among environmental experts and farmers.
The Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is coordinating with regional water companies to develop contingency plans. Emergency measures under consideration include stricter water-use restrictions that may extend beyond household hosepipe bans to cover certain commercial and industrial operations.
Water utilities are already encouraging consumers to reduce non-essential use and adopt long-term conservation habits. Meanwhile, agricultural groups are calling for government support to mitigate potential crop and livestock losses if dry conditions continue into the summer.
Meteorologists caution that the combination of climate change and lower winter rainfall could make multi-year droughts more common across southern and eastern England. The government is expected to release an updated national drought resilience plan before the end of the year.
