Cumbria drought eased to recovery after wettest week in two years

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 31 Oct, 13:26 · Archive

Cumbria's drought status has been changed to 'in recovery' after storms brought the wettest week for two years.

The Environment Agency changed all north-west England's drought status from prolonged dry weather to 'in recovery' on 30 October, following heavy rain and strong winds from storms Austen and Boelo. Cumbria was previously in prolonged dry weather, the stage before full drought classification.

However, almost all the rest of the country remains in drought. Severe drought continues in parts of the South West and Sussex, and much of Wales also remains affected. The situation follows the UK's hottest summer since records began in 1884, which caused wildfires and water restrictions for millions.

England's water situation shows only limited overall improvement. England's total water storage stood at 57.9 per cent on 27 October, still 19 per cent below average. Ten reservoirs or groups remain exceptionally low, and many households continue to face hosepipe bans.

October rainfall has reached 111 per cent of England's long-term average, and river flows have increased at almost all reporting sites, with most now normal or higher. More than two-thirds of reservoirs or reservoir groups have also increased storage.

Yet recovery remains uncertain. The Environment Agency said England needs at least 120 per cent of average rainfall over the next six months for the country to leave drought by spring. Soil remains drier than expected for this time of year, and groundwater levels continue to fall at most sites because dry soils limit water recharge.

How it is being reported

• Cumbria drought status eased to 'in recovery' after wettest week in two yearsCumbria drought status moves to recovery on October 30 after wettest week in two years, but much of England remains in drought with reservoirs below average.Cumberland News · 31 Oct, 13:05
• Cumbria drought status eased to 'in recovery' after wettest week in two yearsCumbria drought status moves to recovery on October 30 after wettest week in two years, but much of England remains in drought with reservoirs below average.Whitehaven News · 31 Oct, 13:05
• Cumbria drought status eased to 'in recovery' after wettest week in two yearsCumbria drought status moves to recovery on October 30 after wettest week in two years, but much of England remains in drought with reservoirs below average.NW Evening Mail · 31 Oct, 13:05
• Cumbria drought status eased to 'in recovery' after wettest week in two yearsCumbria drought status moves to recovery on October 30 after wettest week in two years, but much of England remains in drought with reservoirs below average.Westmorland Gazette · 31 Oct, 13:05

In this story: Environment Agency · Cumbria · England · Wales · Sussex · South West

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