Flash flood warnings for UK as heavy rain batters drought-hit ground

Flash flood warnings for UK as heavy rain batters drought-hit ground Further showers are forecast on Friday for most parts of the UK - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Heavy downpours returning to drought-stricken regions across the UK carry a risk of flash flooding, forecasters at the Met Office have warned. The warning follows a period of heavier rain on Wednesday and Thursday, coming after a summer marked by severe heatwaves and dry weather. These conditions have left the whole of Wales and nearly three-quarters of England in drought. Data from the Environment Agency (EA) indicates that the north-west of England experienced the wettest weather over the last 24 hours, with 52.5mm of rain recorded in the Lancashire seaside town of Morecambe. This single volume represents a third of the region’s average overall rainfall logged between 1 June and 18 August this year, which reached up to 156mm, according to the Met Office. Significant rainfall also fell across southern parts of the country, where an EA monitoring station at Pevensey Bay in East Sussex registered 32mm of rain over the same 24-hour period. “Most parts of the UK have seen at least a few splashes of rain, but many parts have seen a little bit more more than that,” Craig Snell, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, said. “Generally, it’s been a big change in the last 24 to 48 hours compared to what many parts of the UK have seen in the last couple of months.” But the wetter conditions, which come after the UK’s fifth heatwave of the summer, also create a risk of flooding as heavy showers fall on baked dry ground, Mr Snell warned. “Unfortunately, some of these showers which have fallen have caused some impacts. “Parts of the North West have seen some localised flooding, and also parts of the south coast of England over the last 24 hours or so. “Part of that is down to the fact that the rain is falling on quite baked ground, so the water is not sinking in like it would usually do.” Showers continued near coasts on Thursday evening, but will likely fade away across inland areas overnight, with clear spells developing elsewhere, according to the Met Office. Further showers are forecast on Friday for most parts of the UK, although they are not likely to be as widespread or heavy as they were on Thursday for many, Mr Snell said. Some thunderstorms are also likely overnight across parts of Wales and western England, Mr Snell said. Drier and sunnier conditions are expected to return over the weekend, although temperatures will remain in the low 20s in the southern parts of the country, and in the high teens to low 20s in the north. “Tuesday onwards, we are likely to then see some further rain,” Mr Snell added. “Most, again, probably in the form of showers moving in from the South West.” A drought response expert group has also warned against the risk of flooding because of heavy showers, with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) adding drought conditions continue to worsen despite the recent rainfall. The National Drought Group – which includes the Met Office, Government, regulators, water companies, farmers, Canal & River Trust, anglers, and conservation experts – has moved to weekly meetings as parts of their drought response, a spokesperson for Defra said on Thursday. Many areas of the country are facing water shortages as reservoir levels have fallen to 62.6 per cent – 16.3 per cent lower than is expected for this time of year, according to Defra. Last week, a £65 million package was also announced to support farmers, whom Defra said have reported their earliest harvest in 20 years, with yields impacted by heat stress and dry weather conditions. EA chief executive Philip Duffy, who chairs the National Drought Group, said: “This summer has been extremely challenging for farmers and for wildlife, and the rain we have seen this week is desperately needed. “This current rainfall isn’t enough to change the overall drought picture, and it is possible to have simultaneous drought and flood as heavy rain falls on compacted soils. “We are monitoring the flood risks, while also working with industry, agriculture and the Government on the ongoing drought response. “In the meantime, we really do need everyone’s help to make our current water reserves last. “Every drop saved is an extra drop for your local river, lake or farmer.” The Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have also applied to the English and Welsh governments for a drought order for the River Severn, warning of the impact the conditions are having on the Severn’s habitats and surrounding farmers. If granted, it would require Severn Trent Water, South Staffordshire Water, Bristol Water and Hafren Dyfrdwy, to reduce the amount they abstract from the river by 5%, which they have said will not affect water supplies. Dr Katie Facer-Childs, senior hydrologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH), said: “After this exceptionally hot and dry summer, it will take several months for river flows and reservoirs to get back to normal. “A little rain will not end the drought. “Autumn and winter is a crucial period for replenishing our water resources. “If this autumn is wetter than normal, river flows may recover by December, but current forecasts suggest this is unlikely and river flows will therefore generally remain low into the new year, especially in the South East. “A dry winter could leave parts of the UK vulnerable to drought again next year.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] WESTMINSTER Westminster