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Summer Drought

17 June 2005

Rainfall in England and Wales over the past seven months is the lowest it has been for 30 years.

This is according to the latest figures released this week from the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme, which is run by the Centre for Hydrology & Ecology and the British Geological Survey.

It is also the second lowest November - May recorded rainfall since 1943/44.

Although we are unlikely to see a return of the combination of hot and dry weather conditions we had during the summer of 1976, parts of southern England, particularly the south-east, are already experiencing a drought.

Groundwater levels vary across the country but, with the exception of the south east, they are at fairly normal levels for this time of year. River flows in some southern rivers - for example the Medway - are close to a record minimum for the early summer.

Even with average rainfall, flows in many southern rivers will continue to decline into the autumn months. This could have severe impacts on the environment and on wildlife. If rivers, streams and wetlands begin to dry up, the fish, plants, birds and mammals that rely on these watery environments for habitats and food, cannot survive.

But the problem could be longer-term. If we have another dry winter this year, the implications for summer 2006 could be far more serious.

Further information

Barnaby Smith
Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Press office
Tel: 07832 160960

NERC Press Office
Natural Environment Research Council
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon, SN2 1EU
Tel: 01793 411561
Mob: 07917 557215

Notes

1. The May 2005 Hydrological Summary is available only on subscription but much of the information is routinely posted on to the web. A pdf of the full summary can be sent to journalists - contact either the CEH or NERC press office.

2. BGS and CEH scientists can provide expert information on a number of drought related subjects including groundwater, river flows, environmental stress and climate change. If you need to find someone who can provide such information or be available for interview please contact one of the press officers above.

3. Monthly water resource assessments are produced from the National Hydrological Monitoring Programme operated jointly by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and the British Geological Survey. The National Hydrological Monitoring Programme (NHMP) was instigated in 1988. The programme relies on the active co-operation of measuring authorities throughout the UK. Financial support for the production of the Monthly Hydrological Summaries of the UK is provided by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the Environment Agency (EA), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), the Rivers Agency (Northern Ireland), and the Office of Water Services.

4. Most rainfall data is provided by the Met Office. River flow and groundwater level data are provided by the Environment Agency, the Environment Agency Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency and for Northern Ireland, the Rivers Agency and the Department of the Environment (NI). Reservoir level information is provided by the water service companies, the EA, Scottish Water and the Northern Ireland Water Service. This information contributes to the National River Flow Archive (maintained by the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology) and the National Groundwater Level Archive (maintained by the British Geological Survey).

5. The British Geological Survey (BGS) is the world's longest established national geological survey and the UK's premier centre for earth science information and expertise. It contributes to the scientific understanding of the environmental conditions, natural resources and hazards in the UK and many other countries around the world. A key component of the survey is a monitoring and research programme that investigates groundwater. BGS scientists explore the affects of drainage and replenishment and are examining the effects of climate change on groundwater to help devise strategies to minimize the environmental, commercial and social damage that may result from extreme environmental conditions.

6. The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is the UK's Centre of Excellence for research in the land and freshwater environmental sciences. Its research is aimed at improving understanding both of the environment as we see it today and the natural processes that underlie the Earth's support systems - for example climate & water resources. CEH is particularly interested in the impacts of human activity on natural environments. It undertakes research on a wide range of drought issues including river flows, water resources, ecological impacts and climate change.

Press release: 26/05