Parts of England could remain in drought until spring
While there has been no change in drought status, water resource levels will not return to normal until winter rainfall exceeds the national average.
The NDG (National Drought Group) has moved to weekly meetings as drought conditions persist, despite the recent rainfall. It will take sustained rainfall over an extended period before the overall drought position improves.
The NDG met on 14 September and heard that around 120% of average winter rainfall would be needed to return water resources to normal levels.
For more on the NFU’s role in shaping the response to drought, read: NFU Deputy President Paul Tompkins explores NFU wins on water
Drought status detail
There has been no change in status. 71% of England is still in drought status, with the remainder under prolonged dry weather status. As a result, no part of England is deemed in “normal” status.
England has received 33% of the long-term average rainfall in September.
Reservoir storage for England is currently at 56.9%, around 20% below average for the time of year.
Ten water companies have temporary use bans in place, affecting 30 million customers. Water companies continue to submit drought permits and orders.
To see the EA’s drought status map of England, visit: GOV.UK | Dry weather and drought in England: 4 to 10 September 2026 – Area drought status
“A few weeks of rain cannot reverse the deficit we face from the very dry spring and summer. We still need everyone else to use a little less water to speed up the drought recovery.”
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy
Prospects
In most areas, 100% of long-term average rainfall between now and March will see a full recovery from water supply drought.
However, even under the Environment Agency’s “best estimate” scenario, East Anglia and Devon and Cornwall could still be experiencing drought conditions until March.
In the most severe projections, large parts of England could move into severe drought if winter rainfall is significantly below average.
Drought is only over when rivers, groundwaters and reservoirs are back to normal levels.
Official drought status is primarily linked to public water supply pressures rather than agricultural drought.
The developing EL Niño is expected to bring wetter and more unsettled weather this autumn. Autumn rainfall is set to help top up water levels but could lead to flooding in some areas.
Drought situation remains serious
Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy, who chaired the NDG, said: “The drought situation remains very serious, and we cannot underestimate the challenge ahead over the coming months.
“Several reservoirs are concerningly low, and we need water companies to take every action possible to secure water supplies going into next year, including stepping up on leakage reduction and following their drought plans.
“Water supplies are limited and we continue to balance the needs of agriculture, public water supply and our environment.
“A few weeks of rain cannot reverse the deficit we face from the very dry spring and summer. We still need everyone else to use a little less water to speed up the drought recovery.”
Advice for farmers
Hard soil conditions continue to challenge farmers, particularly where abstraction restrictions remain in place.
Farmers are advised to check ground and weather conditions before spreading organic manures, including slurry, to help protect rivers from pollution.
Visit our dry weather information page for the latest information and advice.
For more information, visit: GOV.UK | Dry weather and drought in England 2026: summary reports
For details on the latest NDG meeting and its focus on public water supply, visit: GOV.UK | Government, Environment Agency, and water companies step up efforts to prevent England remaining in drought by next spring
