Drought declared in north west england

RAINFALL BETWEEN FEBRUARY AND APRIL IN THE NORTH-WEST WAS THE THIRD LOWEST ON RECORD SINCE 1871 11:43, 29 May 2025Updated 11:43, 29 May 2025 Weeks of unusually dry weather have led to low

water levels in reservoirs and rivers across the North West. Despite several deluges this week - including a heavy downpour that soaked fans during the Liverpool FC victory parade on Monday

- the Environment Agency has declared a drought. According to the BBC, the government agency has declared the official drought after rainfall between February and April in the north west was

the third lowest on record since 1871. The BBC, quoting an Environment Agency spokesperson, reports: "Despite the rain over the weekend, levels remain low and we are encouraging people

to be aware of the impacts of drought as we enter the summer period." The spokesperson added: "With further unsettled periods and rainfall over the coming weeks we will continue

to closely monitor the situation." The move to official drought status was reportedly revealed on Wednesday, May 28, following a period classified as "dry weather status" that

began on April 30. The Environment Agency has previously said that May's dry weather and low rainfall had continued to impact public water supply reservoirs in central and northern

England. Article continues below According to the Met Office, this spring is on track to become the driest in over a century, with warm weather being dominant throughout the UK. In the Lake

District, the low water levels in Haweswater have exposed the old remnants of a village that was deliberately flooded to make a reservoir. Mardale Green in the Lake District disappeared in

1939 after the nearby Haweswater valley was intentionally flooded to create a structure to provide water for the north-west of England. It became one of the largest reservoirs in the

country, supplying Manchester with drinking water for decades, the Manchester Evening News reports. But because of a lack of rain fall, the reservoir - which has the capacity for about

85,000 million litres of water - is now around 30% lower than it should be at this time of year. Meanwhile, Liverpool enjoyed a month of clear skies before the weather abruptly turned. The

Met Office warned of a "marked change" in conditions following the bank holiday weekend. Article continues below Forecasters predict the weather will remain "damp, dreary and

feeling breezy" for the remainder of the week. Rain is predicted overnight, with a few heavy spells. Friday is forecast to be "mainly cloudy, though rain clearing eastwards to give

a mixture of brighter spells and scattered showers through the day. Breezy at times, especially in the showers."