Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on May 29, 2025
2 min readLast updated: January 23, 2026
Add as preferred source on Google
Northwest England is in drought after a record sunny spring, with low water levels prompting conservation measures. Climate change is a key factor.
LONDON (Reuters) -Britain said on Thursday the northwest of England was now officially in drought status after the driest start to spring in decades caused water levels in rivers and reservoirs to decline.
Through March, April and May, Britain has basked in its sunniest spring on record, according to the Met Office weather forecaster, though the lack of rainfall has raised some concerns about conserving water supply.
The Environment Agency (EA) said reservoir storage levels in northwest England - home to the picturesque Lake District as well as the cities of Manchester and Liverpool - were lower than during the same time in the 1984, 1995 and 2022 drought years.
Scientists say climate change is making droughts and drier summers more frequent.
The EA said it would ensure that water companies, including major northwest supplier United Utilities, are ready to support customers to reduce demand if needed.
"I'm doing everything in my power to hold United Utilities to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region," Water Minister Emma Hardy said in a statement.
The agency said ministers would convene a meeting of the National Drought Group next Thursday to assess the situation across the country.
(Reporting by Sachin Ravikumar; Editing by Leslie Adler)
The drought status in northwest England has been declared due to the driest start to spring in decades, which has significantly lowered water levels in rivers and reservoirs.
Britain has experienced its sunniest spring on record through March, April, and May, according to the Met Office.
The Environment Agency is ensuring that water companies, such as United Utilities, are prepared to support customers in reducing demand if necessary.
The National Drought Group will convene to assess the drought situation across the country and discuss necessary actions.
The lack of rainfall has raised concerns about conserving water and ensuring adequate supply for the region's needs.
Explore more articles in the Headlines category
