Key facts
- Parts of the UK are forecast to receive "meaningful" rain, potentially causing surface water flooding.
- The rainfall follows prolonged dry spells and multiple heatwaves that have left the ground parched.
- Hosepipe bans are in effect for millions of customers across England.
- In the US Midwest, at least seven people have died due to severe storms and flooding.
- Further storms are expected in the US Appalachia region.
Parts of the United Kingdom are bracing for potential flooding as "meaningful" rain is forecast to arrive in drought-hit areas, offering some relief after a prolonged period of dry weather and multiple heatwaves. The Met Office has warned that intense showers could lead to surface water flooding, particularly as the rain falls on very dry and hard ground, which struggles to absorb water.
This anticipated rainfall follows weeks of below-average precipitation across much of the country. For instance, Wisley has recorded 61 consecutive dry days, and Heathrow Airport has experienced 55 dry days. The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have declared drought conditions in areas south of Yorkshire and the Greater Manchester area. In response to the persistent dryness, Wessex Water has implemented a new hosepipe ban affecting 1.4 million customers in Bath, Somerset, Dorset, and Wiltshire, marking the first such ban since 1976. This brings the total number of people in England under hosepipe restrictions to over 27 million.
Thames Water, the country's largest supplier, reported receiving less than 1mm of rainfall in July, which is only 2% of the long-term average. Despite this, the company noted a decrease in water consumption across London and surrounding areas since its own ban was introduced on July 23. However, with reservoir levels below expected for this time of year and demand remaining high, Thames Water continues to urge customers to conserve water.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Midwest is beginning to see some easing of disastrous flooding that has resulted in at least seven fatalities in Indiana. Despite recovery efforts, more storms are anticipated further east in Appalachia. Over five million people across the Midwest and mid-Atlantic remain under flood watches, and saturated ground means even moderate rainfall could cause new issues. The White River in Noblesville, Indiana, set a new record flood stage, and a bridge in Hamilton County sustained severe damage. Severe thunderstorms are also moving across Ohio and Pennsylvania, with reports of downed trees and power lines, and a tornado warning was issued.