The public is being urged to conserve water as England braces for a prolonged drought that could last until 2026.
The National Drought Group, comprising the Met Office, regulators, government, water companies and other organisations, convened on Thursday due to insufficient autumn rainfall to counterbalance the dry conditions of spring and summer. Experts predict that unless there is significant rainfall in the coming months, the drought conditions will persist into next year.
Recent wet weather has alleviated shortages in two areas - Cumbria and Lancashire, and Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire. Officials announced on Thursday that these regions have transitioned from drought status to drought recovery status.
However, the group cautioned that this situation is precarious and further dry weather could revert these areas back to drought status. Residents are being encouraged to adopt water-saving measures, such as turning off taps when not in use and installing a water butt to collect rainwater.
All sectors, including water companies, agriculture, navigation, and energy, have been advised to take steps to bolster their resilience against an extended drought. Farmers are being urged to review their licences for drawing water from rivers, consult with the Environment Agency if they require flexibility, consider increasing reservoir storage, and collaborate with neighbouring farms to share water resources.
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These restrictions are in addition to hosepipe bans already implemented by Yorkshire Water, Thames Water, South East Water and Southern Water across certain regions, which will continue until water resources show signs of recovery. The national drought group commended the public for adhering to these measures, noting it has helped preserve more water in local rivers and lakes.
The Met Office confirmed that summer 2025 was the hottest on record since measurements began in 1884, whilst spring marked the driest in 132 years. By 28 October, provisional Met Office figures revealed England had received just 61% of its anticipated annual rainfall, compared to the typical 80% expected at this point in the year.
At this stage, reservoirs should typically be three-quarters full on average. Yet 41% of reservoirs throughout England currently remain less than half full.
During Thursday's meeting in central London, the national drought group was informed that England requires at least 100% of average rainfall - 482mm - to substantially recover from the drought by the end of March. To put this into perspective, only two months of 2025 have exceeded 100% of average rainfall thus far, they noted.
Helen Wakeham, chairwoman of the group, said: "The recent rain is very welcome, but it needs to be sustained over the next six months to ensure we are ready for next year. We need a lot more rain this winter to fill up our rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater.
"Even if it is wet outside, I urge people to use water as efficiently as possible to protect the environment and public water supplies."
Water resources have come under mounting pressure in recent years due to competing demands from households, businesses, agriculture and the environment, alongside the escalating effects of climate change. Ms Wakeham cautioned that as global warming accelerates, the nation must brace itself for more frequent droughts in the years ahead.
"Securing our water resources needs to be a national priority," she said.
"We expect water companies to continue their water-saving messaging, even through the winter, as well as carry on reducing leaks."
As part of contingency planning, water companies have been instructed to encourage more efficient water consumption and intensify their efforts to tackle leakage.
They must also ensure their infrastructure, including pipes, pumps and reservoirs, is functioning properly and submit drought permit applications early to maximise water storage, the national drought group said.
Whilst the recent rainfall has alleviated some pressure on the agricultural sector, the group said concerns remain heading into winter regarding feed availability for livestock due to poor grass growth during spring and summer.
Navigation on the Canal & River Trust network is steadily improving, with key lock flights on the Oxford and Grand Union Canal now reopened, it added.
Will Lang, Met Office chief meteorologist, said: "This year has been characterised by notable rainfall deficits across much of England.
"While recent rainfall has helped, regional variations remain, and drought conditions continue to affect several areas.
"Looking ahead, there is an increased risk of dry spells through late autumn and early winter and regional differences in rainfall continue to be likely.
"Without sustained and widespread precipitation, a consistent recovery from drought remains uncertain."
The ongoing drought could lead to flooding, including flash floods, during the winter months as parched soils struggle to absorb heavy rainfalls and stormy weather.
Environment Minister Emma Hardy stated: "We are closely monitoring all regions, especially those still experiencing drought, and working with the national drought group and water companies to maintain supplies.
"We face increasing pressure on our water resources. That is why this Government is taking decisive action, including the development of nine new reservoirs to help secure long-term water resilience."