Drought declared in Yorkshire for first time since 2018
Yorkshire is in an official drought, the Environment Agency has announced.
The driest summer in 50 years has led several areas of the country to declare drought status, with parts of the South West, parts of Southern and Central England, and the East of England moving into drought last week.
It is the first time in four years that drought has been declared in Yorkshire, with the decision coming because of low groundwater and reservoir levels.
Last week, Yorkshire Water announced a hosepipe ban from Aug 26, with the company saying the move was “necessary as part of our drought planning”.
Victoria Slingsby, the environment planning and engagement manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said: “The high temperatures we are experiencing have exacerbated pressures on wildlife and our water environment in Yorkshire.
“These extreme weather conditions become more likely with climate change. We are experiencing some much-needed rain this week – but it will not be enough to correct weeks of dry weather, and it will take more prolonged rainfall to wet up soils and replenish rivers, reservoirs and groundwater levels.
“It’s important for everyone to manage the amount of water they are using in this exceptionally dry period.”
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
