Drought expected to be declared in more parts of England
England is preparing to declare further drought conditions as a prolonged, record-breaking dry summer continues to impact water levels. Officials are meeting to assess the situation, with millions of residents likely to face expanded hosepipe bans.
Why it matters
The increasing frequency of severe droughts highlights the growing impact of climate change on water security and infrastructure in the UK.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, The dry weather is forecast to continue into the week ahead across parts of the UK
A drought is expected to be declared in more parts of England on Monday, joining half of the country and the whole of Wales.
The National Drought Group – made up of regulators, government officials, water companies and agricultural bodies - will meet on Monday afternoon to assess the situation across England.
Almost all of southern England is already officially in drought after an exceptionally hot and dry summer, with heatwave conditions set to return for many this week.
Liz Bentley, chief executive of the Royal Meteorological Society, said the number of people under a hosepipe ban is likely to increase from the 23 million already experiencing restrictions.
She told BBC Radio 4's Today programme the country had experienced an "exceptional, unprecedented summer", which was becoming the "new norm".
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