Historical drought set to persist into 2026 in the UK

England prepares for an ongoing drought in 2026, unless there is significant rainfall this autumn and winter, and further water shortages in the future due to climate change, warns The National Drought Group.

Driest spring in 132 years

Despite recent rainfall, a large part of the country remains in drought as winter approaches following the driest spring in 132 years and the hottest summer since records began in 1884, as declared by the British Meteorological Office (MET). Currently, some 41% of England’s reservoirs are less than half full, whereas they should be at 76% capacity at this time of year, according to UK ministry of agriculture (DEFRA). Average reservoir storage is at 63.3%. Looking ahead, MET office predicts that without sustained and widespread precipitation a consistent recovery from drought “remains uncertain” since there is an increased risk of dry spells through late autumn and early winter.

For more information on the risks that British growers are facing, you can write here.