Dry Weather Information 2025-26

Understanding the dry weather situation

Climate change is bringing more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns to England. The Environment Agency is coordinating the national response to dry weather and drought conditions, working to protect water supplies for homes, businesses, farmers and the environment.

Our role includes convening the National Drought Group, monitoring water levels, supporting farmers with irrigation guidance, working with local communities, protecting wildlife and aquatic habitats, and planning for long-term water security. This balanced approach ensures we safeguard both water resources and the natural environment while supporting the needs of people and businesses across England.

Latest situation

30 April: Today we published our updated irrigation prospects for spring and summer, which indicates a generally positive outlook, but there are emerging pressures in parts of the country, particularly eastern England. Overall, irrigation prospects are currently classed as good to moderate. With the dry weather, we are encouraging farmers, and all abstractors, to take early action to manage water use and safeguard supplies for the summer. https://www.farmingadviceservice.org.uk/technical-article/updated-prospects-irrigation-area-forecast-2026 (gives national overview and area forecasts)


As the National Drought Group heard on 23 March, the preceding four months of above average rainfall meant England’s water levels had largely recovered from 2025’s drought and by March 2026, all areas of England had returned to normal status. This followed nearly a year of dry and drought conditions across much of the country. The National Drought Group includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts. Each shared their current water situation, ongoing research and innovation, areas of concern, and preparations for future drought - more details are in the NDG meeting press release.

The Environment Agency is working with water companies, farmers, and local authorities to manage water resources and minimise impacts.

Although conditions have improved, the Environment Agency's work to embed learning from last year’s drought will continue. As we move into spring and summer, teams will continue to monitor conditions closely and strengthen preparedness for future extremes.

Dry weather and drought in England: summary reports

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question regarding dry weather, please check out our FAQs.

Our scientific research

The Environment Agency's Chief Scientist's Group works with leading scientists from universities, research institutes, and consultancies to improve understanding of drought, its impacts, and how to build resilience. Our research helps us develop better forecasting capabilities and targeted interventions to protect the environment during dry periods.

Learn more about our drought research.

Small green plants growing in dry, cracked soil.







Understanding the dry weather situation

Climate change is bringing more extreme and unpredictable weather patterns to England. The Environment Agency is coordinating the national response to dry weather and drought conditions, working to protect water supplies for homes, businesses, farmers and the environment.

Our role includes convening the National Drought Group, monitoring water levels, supporting farmers with irrigation guidance, working with local communities, protecting wildlife and aquatic habitats, and planning for long-term water security. This balanced approach ensures we safeguard both water resources and the natural environment while supporting the needs of people and businesses across England.

Latest situation

30 April: Today we published our updated irrigation prospects for spring and summer, which indicates a generally positive outlook, but there are emerging pressures in parts of the country, particularly eastern England. Overall, irrigation prospects are currently classed as good to moderate. With the dry weather, we are encouraging farmers, and all abstractors, to take early action to manage water use and safeguard supplies for the summer. https://www.farmingadviceservice.org.uk/technical-article/updated-prospects-irrigation-area-forecast-2026 (gives national overview and area forecasts)


As the National Drought Group heard on 23 March, the preceding four months of above average rainfall meant England’s water levels had largely recovered from 2025’s drought and by March 2026, all areas of England had returned to normal status. This followed nearly a year of dry and drought conditions across much of the country. The National Drought Group includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts. Each shared their current water situation, ongoing research and innovation, areas of concern, and preparations for future drought - more details are in the NDG meeting press release.

The Environment Agency is working with water companies, farmers, and local authorities to manage water resources and minimise impacts.

Although conditions have improved, the Environment Agency's work to embed learning from last year’s drought will continue. As we move into spring and summer, teams will continue to monitor conditions closely and strengthen preparedness for future extremes.

Dry weather and drought in England: summary reports

Frequently asked questions

If you have a question regarding dry weather, please check out our FAQs.

Our scientific research

The Environment Agency's Chief Scientist's Group works with leading scientists from universities, research institutes, and consultancies to improve understanding of drought, its impacts, and how to build resilience. Our research helps us develop better forecasting capabilities and targeted interventions to protect the environment during dry periods.

Learn more about our drought research.

Small green plants growing in dry, cracked soil.







Page last updated: 01 May 2026, 09:31 AM