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Midlands Drought Ends After Record Rainfall
8 Dec
Summary
- Midlands drought status lifted after nearly five months.
- November rainfall was the highest recorded since 1871 for East Midlands.
- Reservoir levels have significantly improved since mid-September.
The Midlands region has officially moved out of drought conditions, a status it held for nearly five months. This significant shift follows a period of intense rainfall, with the Environment Agency confirming the drought has ended. The region had entered drought status on July 15, following England's driest start to a year since 1976 and the hottest summer on record.
Recent precipitation has dramatically improved the situation. The East Midlands experienced 218% of its average rainfall in November, making it the wettest November since 1871. Similarly, the West Midlands recorded 185% of its average rainfall for the month, the highest since 1970. These wet conditions have helped replenish depleted rivers and reservoirs.
Despite the positive news, authorities urge continued vigilance in water usage. Water minister Emma Hardy MP stated that while the improving picture is welcome, complacency is not an option, as climate change will bring future droughts and floods. Reservoir levels, such as those for Severn Trent, have risen significantly from their mid-September lows to over 84% by early December.
