A drought is expected to be declared in the South West tomorrow (August 12), according to reports. The area is currently under an amber 'extreme heat' weather warning which started today and is due to last until Sunday.
Temperatures in the region are expected to reach the mid-30s and, according to Sky News, it is expected a drought will be declared in the South West tomorrow. This would mean people in the region could face a series of measures across domestic and commercial use of water - including a ban on the usage of hosepipes to wash cars, water gardens and fill up paddling pools.
The National Drought Group – made up of Government and agency officials, water companies and other groups such as the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) – is set to meet on Friday to discuss the prolonged dry weather, reports HullLive. There are expectations drought could be declared for some parts of England such as southern and eastern areas, prompting action by agencies and water companies to manage water resources to ensure supplies and protect the environment.
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The South West has experienced lower than normal rainfall over a prolonged period of time, reports the Express. Low river levels, depleted reservoirs and scorched landscapes have been caused by a long, hot summer so far.
South West Water - which provides Devon, Cornwall and small parts of Dorset and Somerset with water and sewerage services - has shown how its water storage levels are below par. Levels are plummeting below those of 1995, which was considered an especially dry year.
The graph shows water levels had started off in January to be below that of last year and as the months have progressed the situation has steadily got worse. Destination Plymouth, a tourism page on Twitter, said: "With the current weather situation and the influx of tourists, the water demand is rocketing. Please urge your employees, visitors and customers to be mindful of their water use this summer whilst working or holidaying in our region."
If South West Water does choose to enforce a hosepipe ban, it will be the first time since 1996. Forecasts for next week do show a heavy band of rain coming across the south west, but senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, Jim Dale, said rain would need to be prolonged to make a noticeable difference.
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