Overview
- East Anglia, which returned to normal on Monday, completed England's drought recovery after four wet months capped by February at 170% of average rainfall.
- Officials warn of weather whiplash driven by climate change, with flash drought possible when hot, dry spells rapidly drain water.
- Heavy rain also caused severe flooding, with the South West recording its second-wettest December to February since records began in 1871.
- Reservoir storage sits near 95% nationally, though Abberton and Hanningfield in Essex, Grafham in Cambridgeshire, and the Dove Group in Derbyshire remain below average.
- Ministers say water companies must submit updated statutory drought plans by the end of March to speed actions in any dry turn.