There has been a lot of coverage in the UK media during the last three months on “the dry winter”, “the drought”, “the dry spell”, “the mini heat wave” and “the unseasonal balm”. Below is a round-up of some of these features…
MAY
Drought fears rise…https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/may/11/water-companies-losing-vast-amounts-through-leakage-raising-drought-fears
Fears Cornwall is on course for drought after dry winter fails to top up reservoirs http://www.cornwalllive.com/cornwall-may-in-be-in-for-a-drought-as-reservoir-level-drop/story-30310403-detail/story.html
Can riverbank wildlife cope with another summer of drought?
Hosepipe Ban 2017: Britain on brink of ban as mini-heatwave to scorch parched UK http://www.express.co.uk/news/weather/802877/hosepipe-ban-2017-water-shortage-drought-uk
Dry weather: NFU in close contact with Environment Agency http://www.nfuonline.com/cross-sector/environment/water/irrigation-and-water-resources/dry-weather-nfu-in-close-contact-with-environment-agency/
APRIL
Water companies warn parts of UK could see drought this summer after the driest winter in more than 20 years http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/18/water-companies-warn-parts-uk-could-see-drought-summer-driest/
HOSEPIPE BAN 2017: Britain braced for shock new rules to deal with ‘water shortage’ http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/796314/Hosepipe-Ban-2017-drought-england-water-shortage-UK
Below average winter rainfall fuels hosepipe ban worries http://www.hortweek.com/below-average-winter-rainfall-fuels-hosepipe-ban-worries/ornamentals/article/1430895
HIGH AND DRY UK weather could result in a DROUGHT and hosepipe ban if rain holds off after the driest winter in more than 20 years https://www.thesun.co.uk/news/3358951/uk-weather-forecast-latest-drought-dry-hosepipe-ban-rain/
Hosepipe ban fears as Environment Agency warns continued dry spell could trigger ‘drought measures’ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4422384/Hosepipe-ban-fears-South-East.html
Bristol is heading towards its driest April on record http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/bristol-heading-towards-driest-april-32982
Drought could slash crop yields by up to 50% http://www.fwi.co.uk/arable/concerns-grow-drought-will-slash-crop-yields.htm
MARCH
Mum likes it hot — but drought may follow unseasonal balm https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mum-likes-it-hot-but-drought-may-follow-unseasonal-balm-rn57zcpp3 (paywall)
FEBRUARY
Driest period for NI since records began, says Met http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-38907471