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Somerset Reservoirs At Crisis Point Amid Driest Spring
24 Jul
Summary
- Somerset's reservoirs are critically low after the driest spring in over 50 years.
- A yellow heat health alert remains in effect for the West of England.
- Forecasters predict only brief rainfall, insufficient to ease drought conditions.
The Environment Agency has identified Somerset's Blagdon and Wimbleball reservoirs as "exceptionally low," with Clatworthy "notably low." This situation arises after the driest spring recorded in more than 50 years, compounded by three heatwaves. Forecasters indicate that anticipated weekend rainfall will likely be insufficient to significantly replenish supplies or ease drought conditions.
A yellow heat health alert remains active in the West of England, signalling potential impacts on health and social care services, and an increased risk for vulnerable individuals. While temperatures have slightly decreased, the cumulative effect of prolonged dry weather is evident. The national reservoir storage level is seven percent below the long-term average, although it is currently higher than in July 2025 and July 2022. Groundwater levels are also notably low in areas like the Cotswolds and Wessex Downs.
