Home / Editor's Pick /

Rain helps fight drought: Water restrictions unlikely this summer

11:00
17 May 2024

Rain helps fight drought
Water restrictions unlikely this summer

Satellite view of parched UKThis satellite shot from August 2022 shows the impact of a harsh summer drought. - © European Union, Copernicus Sentinel-3 imagery

Following the wettest October to March period on record, no region in England is in drought ahead of summer.

On Thursday, the National Drought Group revealed that reservoirs across the country were at 95% of capacity at the end of March.

This supply will help to avoid water restrictions as seen in previous summers.

Despite this, the group, formed of weather experts, government officials, water companies, and other stakeholders, say we should continue to limit water use.

Officially there is a low-risk of hosepipe bans, but drought can appear unexpectedly, leading to restrictions as seen in 2022.

River Thames dries up after heatwaveFlashback to 2022

Temperatures are now rising with summer around the corner, but showers will form in the coming days, which you can track on the RainfallRadar.

Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Split image showing a family and children playing and sledding on a snowy field with winter hills on the left, and a UK weather forecast map on the right with sun and cloud icons, city temperatures, and cloud cover over northern Scotland, divided by a curved white line.
Wednesday 24 December 2025

Unlikely this year

Defining a White Christmas
Split image showing dark, textured storm clouds hanging low in the sky on the left, and a bright rainbow arching over a parking lot with cars under a colourful sunset sky on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Saturday 27 December 2025

Your weather - Your shots

2025 as captured by you!
Split image showing a night-time UK rain radar map with blue precipitation bands, city temperature markers, and a rain cloud icon on the left, and a star-filled night sky with the Milky Way and a silhouetted telescope on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Sunday 21 December 2025

Ursid meteor shower

Wish upon a Christmas star
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
Outline of Santa Claus with a yellow and white hat, "Ho-Ho-Ho" next to the outline above a Christmas tree.
Thursday 25 December 2025

Merry Christmas!

Wishes from Weather & Radar
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwitteryouTubelinkList