Yorkshire enters drought after one of driest summers on record

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 13:24 · Archive

The Environment Agency has declared Yorkshire in drought status following prolonged dry spring and summer weather.

The Environment Agency has officially declared Yorkshire in drought status following prolonged dry conditions across the spring and summer. The announcement was made on Friday, October 9. Yorkshire experienced the fifth driest April to September on record, with low rainfall causing river flows and groundwater levels in certain parts of the area to fall to the trigger point for a drought declaration.

Vicki Townend, area environment manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire, said that even if the region receives several weeks of rain, the effects of the dry spring and summer cannot be quickly reversed. The Environment Agency will continue to monitor the situation and implement its Yorkshire Drought Plan. Townend noted that as climate change intensifies, heavier rainfall and drier summers are expected to become more frequent, and encouraged people to use less water to aid recovery.

Yorkshire now joins central, southern and eastern England in drought status, while the North East and North West remain in a state of prolonged dry weather. The National Drought Group, which includes the government, Met Office, regulators, water companies, farmers and conservation experts, is meeting weekly to monitor the situation and coordinate action.

How it is being reported

• Yorkshire enters DROUGHT after region suffers one of the driest summersThe Environment Agency has officially declared that Yorkshire has entered drought status.Wharfedale Observer · 9 Oct, 13:42
• Yorkshire drought declared over 'lack of rain'The organisation has urged residents to 'be aware' and take necessary action.Huddersfield Examiner · 9 Oct, 13:27
• Yorkshire enters DROUGHT after region suffers one of the driest summersThe Environment Agency has officially declared that Yorkshire has entered drought status.Telegraph & Argus · 9 Oct, 13:00
• Drought declared in Yorkshire due to low water levels after scorching summerA drought has been declared in Yorkshire due to low water levels in reservoirs and rivers following prolonged dry weather in the spring and summer, the Environment Agency said.Yorkshire Post · 9 Oct, 12:51

In this story: Yorkshire · Environment Agency · Vicki Townend · England

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