Environment Agency Warns of Persistent Drought Across England

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Drought conditions persist across much of the UK, particularly in southern and eastern England, despite recent localized heavy rainfall, leading to ongoing water restrictions and critically low reservoir levels. The Environment Agency warns that recovery requires sustained above-average rainfall over the next seven months, with some regions unlikely to see normal conditions until early next year, even as a developing El Niño could influence upcoming weather patterns.

Despite some localized heavy rainfall this month, drought conditions continue to affect large parts of the United Kingdom, particularly across Wales and nearly three-quarters of England. The north and west have generally experienced wetter weather, while the east and southeast remain significantly drier. In the south of England, conditions are especially severe, prompting ongoing water use restrictions such as hosepipe bans, even as overall water demand has decreased, mainly due to reduced garden and agricultural usage.

The Environment Agency has issued a warning that England will need approximately 120 percent of its average rainfall over the next seven months to fully recover from the current drought. While regions in the northwest might see an end to drought conditions by late October or November, most other areas are likely to return to normal only by February. Notably, Devon, Cornwall, and East Anglia could continue to experience drought into spring next year, even if autumn and winter rainfall amounts are higher than average.

Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, emphasized that short-term rainfall is insufficient to offset the deficits caused by an exceptionally dry spring and summer. The agency’s latest water assessment indicates that reservoir levels in England are around 20 percent of the norm for this time of year, with reduced river flow and declining groundwater levels further underscoring the severity of the situation. Eastern parts of Scotland have also yet to fully recover from dry conditions earlier in the year.

Groundwater recharge, which is crucial during late autumn, winter, and early spring, depends on reduced evaporation rates and the dormant state of trees that no longer transpire water. These seasonal factors are essential to restoring the water table but require sustained rainfall.

Amid these challenges, the development of a strong El Niño weather pattern in the Pacific offers a potential factor that could influence UK rainfall. Historically, El Niño events have been associated with wetter late autumn and early winter periods in the UK. However, the current El Niño has so far contributed to drought conditions in regions such as Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, while causing falling water levels in the Panama Canal that have limited maritime transit.

Overall, while some relief may be possible pending the impact of El Niño, authorities caution that long-term water supply issues remain pressing, especially in the most affected southern and eastern areas of the UK.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.