United Kingdom

There’s a hosepipe ban because much of England is still in drought. A few weeks of rain isn’t going to fix things. If it isn’t an especially wet winter, the drought will carry over and next summer will be brutal on agriculture and the vulnerable.

The Met Office drought forecast for winter says it will be below average for rain. This is very bad news. The current EA Drought Prospects Report states

Dry Winter (80% of average rainfall)

This scenario would see drought conditions increase over the winter months because of the current low river flows, groundwater, and reservoir levels. By the end of March, a large area spanning from Dorset to East Yorkshire would be in drought. The south east, south west and East Anglia would be in prolonged dry weather with only the north west experiencing normal conditions.

This rainfall scenario would increase the risks to some crops, with a reduced breeding success of birds, an increased risk of wildfires and potential navigation closures.

Very Dry Winter (60% of average rainfall)

By spring 2026 all of England would be in drought. There would be reduced water for irrigating crops, reduced vegetable production and an impact on grass growth.

Most water companies would see impacts in either all or part of their supply area, meaning an expectation of hosepipe bans and non-essential use bans. There would also be the potential for permanent environmental damage as well as significant impacts in the leisure sector, such as golf clubs and football pitches.

Frankly, no-one should be using hoses right now.