Is the UK heading for a drought and will there be a hosepipe ban?

Image source, Danny Lawson/PA Wire

Since 1976, the start of the year has been the driest in England and Wales.

Concerns have been raised that the UK could be in for a long dry spell.

England was moved into Prolonged Dry Weather status at an emergency meeting.

In the first three months of the year, England's and Wales's precipitation was down.

The average river flows were below normal before the summer began.

In July, temperature records were broken multiple times and the rain was down. The Met Office predicts more dry and hot weather.

Overconsumption of water has made these conditions worse. The government says that more than a quarter of the underground water sources are being used.

The national response is coordinated by the Environmental Agency.

A dry spell is defined as an extended period without water.

The Royal Meteorological Society says that is not always the case. There can be a shortage of water to grow a crop.

hosepipe bans can be brought in by individual water companies.

In the case of low river levels, these can be announced.

A hosepipe ban will be in place for customers in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

Customers in the south of England have been told to use less water.

Some companies are looking at their advice again.

• killing fish and creating water pollution
• crop failure
• wildfires

The National Farmers' Union is keeping an eye on it. Some berry farmers have lost some of their crop.

Due to their high water content, potatoes are at particular risk.

Farmers are postponing planting crops because the soil is too dry.

Multiple fires were caused by the record-breaking temperatures and very dry conditions.

In July, fish were moved to other rivers in Yorkshire due to low water levels.

Outside of the UK, places such as northern Italy and Portugal put water restrictions in place due to a lack of rain.

They were caused by a long dry spell through the spring and then a warm summer.

Emergency powers were created to turn off water supplies.

Crop failures caused food prices to go up in the year. Water restrictions were in place.

In July, the conditions were similar with low rain and high temperatures.

August's conditions will be an important factor in whether or not the UK gets into a repeat of the dry spell.

Population growth and climate change could cause more water shortages in the future according to the National Infrastructure Commission.

Changes to water use and water losses were called for.

Improving efficiency in homes and businesses is one of the goals of the 25-year Environment Plan.