Yorkshire has officially entered drought conditions, as a prolonged period of dry weather continues to deplete reservoir and river levels across the UK.
The Environment Agency confirmed the drought status after northeast England recorded almost no rainfall over a 22-day period last month.
Data from the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that at the end of May, water levels in the region’s key reservoirs were significantly below average.
Washburn Reservoir was just 67% full, while Bradford Supply Reservoir had dropped to 56%, both well below the typical 85% capacity expected at this time of year.
“Although early June has brought some rainfall, it hasn’t been sufficient to offset the prolonged dry conditions,” said Claire Barrow, Planning and Engagement Manager for the Environment Agency in Yorkshire.
The drought designation in Yorkshire follows similar action in northwest England, which became the first UK region to face such conditions this year. That move enabled water authorities to implement new irrigation policies and enforce temporary restrictions, including the potential for hosepipe bans.
While no hosepipe bans are currently active in Yorkshire, Yorkshire Water and other suppliers are urging residents to voluntarily reduce their water consumption, which has risen notably in 2025. Water UK spokesperson Matt Bright confirmed that companies are closely monitoring the situation.
Across England and Wales, reservoir levels dropped to an average of 78% full at the end of May, a sharp decline from the previous month’s 85%. Even Scotland is seeing unseasonably low water levels, underscoring the nationwide impact of this year’s driest spring since 1893.
The UK Met Office predicts intermittent rain across northern England this week, with long-range forecasts suggesting the possibility of heavier downpours through the end of June. However, it remains uncertain whether this will be enough to reverse the ongoing drought conditions.
In the meantime, temperatures are expected to soar across the UK, particularly in the south, where thermometers could reach up to 30°C (86°F) from Thursday onwards.
