Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
National
Matthew Weaver, Helena Horton and agency

UK weather: warning of floods from thundery showers after drought

A view of the low water levels at the United Utilities, Woodhead Reservoir, in Derbyshire
Rain forecast for the next few days is likely to run off parched earth rather than be absorbed, say experts. Photograph: Dave Higgens/PA

After the driest spell for almost 50 years, the UK is now being warned to expect flooding from thundery showers that will offer little relief from the drought.

The flood alert follows days of extreme heat warnings and the official declaration of a drought after the longest nine-month dry spell since 1976. Meteorologists warned that downpours are the wrong kind of rain to tackle the drought and are more likely to lead to floods from water running off parched earth.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.