England one dry spell away from return to severe drought, say experts

The dried-out bed of Baitings Reservoir in West Yorkshire last August. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

England is at risk of a severe drought, with experts warning it is one dry spell away from conditions similar to last summer.

Farmers are preparing for a difficult growing year, with some areas having never left drought and others just recovering. This means it will be difficult to grow certain vegetables and yields could be affected. Last year, yields on crops such as cabbage and kale were reduced because of the drought.