Drought declared in West Midlands after record low rain and exceptionally high temperatures 

THE ENVIRONMENT Agency (EA) has announced the West Midlands is now experiencing a flash drought, brought about by a combination of very low rainfall and higher temperatures.

Rivers are running low, farmers are having to harvest crops early, wildfire risk is increasing and millions of people are living under restrictions about water use.

The Environment Agency has again stepped up its operational response, including enhanced monitoring and controlling how much water can be taken from rivers and groundwater.

In the West Midlands, the Environment Agency continues to run its River Severn regulation system, to ensure flows remain on a river which provides 6 million people with drinking water.

Under the system, when flows are predicted to drop below a prescribed minimum at Bewdley gauging station, water is released from Llyn Clywedog, Lake Vyrnwy and, when required, the Shropshire groundwater scheme to maintain minimum flow.

Helen Wakeham, director of water at the Environment Agency and chair of the national drought group, said: “The hot and dry weather means we are currently using water faster than nature can replenish it.

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“A second consecutive summer drought is an exceptionally serious situation and one that will have long-lasting impacts on our environment, wildlife and the economy.

“We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture.”

The current drought now means there have been three in the past five years – in 2022, last year and now.