Dry Weather Information 2025-26

Lords Committee publishes its report on drought preparedness

The Environment and Climate Change Committee has published its report following an inquiry into drought preparedness. The Environment Agency provided oral evidence to the Committee on Wednesday, 4 February, alongside Ofwat. Below is a summary of the Committee’s findings and recommendations. You can read the full report and press release here

Latest situation

18 June: National Drought Group met and heard and heard that while water resources remain in a relatively healthy position following an exceptionally wet winter, some areas are already seeing the impacts of drier conditions. . https://www.gov.uk/government/news/national-drought-group-meets-after-dry-spring-and-recent-heatwave

National Drought Group chair and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said: 2We enter summer in a generally favourable position, but we can never be complacent ahead of those crucial drier months. Heatwaves will continue to be a concern as they can drive spikes in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our finite water wisely. While many of us enjoy the hot weather, we ask everyone to be mindful of their water use. Every drop saved leaves more available for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife."

18 June: We have published our updated irrigation prospects for summer. The dry spring has contributed to a downgrade to the irrigation prospect forecast in some areas since our last report in April. Our updated irrigation prospect forecast across England for Summer 2026 is overall Moderate to Good. Parts of East Anglia and West Midlands where conditions are projected to be Moderate to Poor. The irrigation prospects reflect the water situation using current river flows, groundwater conditions, latest available weather forecasts and Met Office seasonal outlooks.

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-forecast-summer-2026 (gives national overview and area forecasts)

26 May: The exceptionally wet winter has refilled our water resources to a good position. No parts of England are in drought but we have had an exceptionally dry start to the spring. We are closely tracking water levels so if hotter temperatures such as those over the bank holiday and the dry conditions stay for the rest of the spring and into summer, we are prepared.

Government, regulators, water companies and partners will assess the latest position at the next National Drought group on 18 June. (The National Drought Group includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts.)

We are all learning from previous droughts to step up drought planning, drive down water demand and build more resilient supplies – including nine new reservoirs – across all sectors.

Looking to Improve Your Water Resilience? LRO Screening Study Applications Open in June

A new round of Local Resource Option (LRO) Screening Study applications opens in June 2026. These studies are open to small groups of farmers or businesses - typically 2 to around 15 - who come together to strengthen their water resilience by applying for a government-funded, specialist-led evaluation of future water resource scheme options in their local area.

You can find out more information and how to apply here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-water-resources-options-apply-for-a-screening-study/how-to-apply-for-a-local-water-resources-options-screening-study

Through the LRO programme, you will receive:

• A consultant-led assessment of your group’s local water challenges

• Practical, costed options to improve your water resilience

• The chance to collaborate with neighbouring farms and stakeholders

Over the past two years, more than 170 farms across five regions in England took part in the programme, which identified a wide range of local solutions and received strong positive feedback. You can now view case studies from the previous LRO projects on the EA Water Hub: https://engageenvironmentagency.uk.engagementhq.com/local-resource-options-screening-studies

Dry weather and drought in England: summary reports

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.