England needs seven months of above-average rainfall to improve drought conditions, according to new research. Nearly three-quarters of the country is still affected by drought, while this summer has been recorded as the hottest summer in England's history, with some areas not having a drop of rain for weeks.
Challenges Ahead for the English
Although there has been some rainfall in the first half of September, the Environment Agency (EA) has emphasized that drought will only end when river levels, groundwater, and reservoirs return to normal. According to this agency, achieving this goal requires 120% of normal rainfall over the next seven months.
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Weather Forecasts and Reactions
In a likely rainfall scenario, the regions of Devon and Cornwall and eastern England will still be affected by drought when spring arrives next year. Philip Duffy, CEO of the EA, stressed that "we cannot underestimate the challenges ahead in the coming months." He added: "A few weeks of rain cannot compensate for the shortfall caused by a very dry spring and summer."
Meanwhile, forecasts indicate that dry conditions will return in the second half of September, especially in southern areas that are in most need of rainfall. However, the El Niño phenomenon may lead to a stormier summer in the future.
In related news, heavy rainfall in eastern Spain has caused flooding that resulted in the death of a British citizen. Susan Sweet, a retired nurse, spoke in a video from the flooded streets of the Orihuela area about the dangers posed by the weather conditions.
Meanwhile, Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Manchester, reaffirmed his commitment to the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. He wrote in a note: "The climate crisis is no longer a distant threat. It is here and now with us."
Given the challenges ahead, Burnham believes that "the green transition is the best opportunity to re-industrialize Britain." However, at the same time, a report from the Energy Security and Net-Zero Committee of Parliament has called for the removal of the term "net-zero," considering it distracting.
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