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02/02/2006
Driest January for almost a decade
England and Wales have had the driest January for almost ten years, according to the Met Office.
The latest figures, published today, showed that some parts of the UK have had less than a quarter of their average rainfall so far this year.
In total, England and Wales had 33.2mm of rain throughout the month - 37% of the long-term average - making it the driest January since 1997 and the sixth driest on record.
Many other areas also had less than half their average January rainfall, including the Midlands and East Anglia, South West England and Southern Wales and Eastern and North East England.
South East and Central Southern England it was the fourth driest January on record and the driest year since 1973.
The Met Office said that, since November 2004, 13 out of the last 15 months have recorded below 1960-1990 average rainfall for the region. The worst affected areas were Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Middlesex and Kent, which have all received around 70% of their normal rainfall.
Environment Minister Lord Bach said that the region could face the worst summer drought since 1976, if the dry conditions continued.
The Environment Agency has warned that water restrictions, including hosepipes and sprinkler bans, could be imposed if the dry conditions continued.
(KMcA)
The latest figures, published today, showed that some parts of the UK have had less than a quarter of their average rainfall so far this year.
In total, England and Wales had 33.2mm of rain throughout the month - 37% of the long-term average - making it the driest January since 1997 and the sixth driest on record.
Many other areas also had less than half their average January rainfall, including the Midlands and East Anglia, South West England and Southern Wales and Eastern and North East England.
South East and Central Southern England it was the fourth driest January on record and the driest year since 1973.
The Met Office said that, since November 2004, 13 out of the last 15 months have recorded below 1960-1990 average rainfall for the region. The worst affected areas were Hampshire, Sussex, Surrey, Middlesex and Kent, which have all received around 70% of their normal rainfall.
Environment Minister Lord Bach said that the region could face the worst summer drought since 1976, if the dry conditions continued.
The Environment Agency has warned that water restrictions, including hosepipes and sprinkler bans, could be imposed if the dry conditions continued.
(KMcA)
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05 April 2012
Hosepipe Bans Enforced Across Drought Areas
Seven companies are imposing a hosepipe ban on its customers following the driest two years in its region since records began.
Hosepipe Bans Enforced Across Drought Areas
Seven companies are imposing a hosepipe ban on its customers following the driest two years in its region since records began.
10 June 2011
Drought Declared In Anglian Region
Parts of the Anglian region are now officially in a state of drought, Defra and the Environment Agency announced today. Areas in the South West, South East, and Midlands are experiencing near-drought conditions following the driest spring on record in South East and Central Southern England, and the driest right across England and Wales since 1990.
Drought Declared In Anglian Region
Parts of the Anglian region are now officially in a state of drought, Defra and the Environment Agency announced today. Areas in the South West, South East, and Midlands are experiencing near-drought conditions following the driest spring on record in South East and Central Southern England, and the driest right across England and Wales since 1990.
09 August 2005
Businesses urged to reduce water use
UK firms are being urged to reduce the amount of water wastage, as it emerged that Southern England has had its driest nine months since 1976. According to Envirowise, the government-funded efficiency programme, UK industry and commerce uses 1300 million cubic metres of water every year, which is three times more than necessary.
Businesses urged to reduce water use
UK firms are being urged to reduce the amount of water wastage, as it emerged that Southern England has had its driest nine months since 1976. According to Envirowise, the government-funded efficiency programme, UK industry and commerce uses 1300 million cubic metres of water every year, which is three times more than necessary.
02 June 2011
Met Office Report Record-Breaking Dry Spring
This spring has been the driest for more than 20 years in some areas, provisional Met Office figures show. Across England and Wales spring rainfall was 86.9 mm, which is 45% of the long-term average. This is the second driest spring since 1910 and the driest since 1990, which had 85 mm of rain.
Met Office Report Record-Breaking Dry Spring
This spring has been the driest for more than 20 years in some areas, provisional Met Office figures show. Across England and Wales spring rainfall was 86.9 mm, which is 45% of the long-term average. This is the second driest spring since 1910 and the driest since 1990, which had 85 mm of rain.
26 November 2003
Agency voices drought fears for 2004
The Environment Agency has today warned that despite the recent rain and forecast for further heavy rain this week, unless the UK receives higher than the winter average rainfall between now and March much of England and Wales could face "water shortages and drought" in 2004.
Agency voices drought fears for 2004
The Environment Agency has today warned that despite the recent rain and forecast for further heavy rain this week, unless the UK receives higher than the winter average rainfall between now and March much of England and Wales could face "water shortages and drought" in 2004.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
