A dry September: just 58 per cent of normal rain

September has been another dry month across much of England, with just 58 per cent of the long-term average rainfall recorded by 22 September, according to the Environment Agency.

A dry week

In the week to 24 September, central, eastern and south-eastern England had less than 5 millimetres of rain, while the north west was wetter with 23 millimetres. River flows fell at almost all monitoring sites, and most are below normal for the time of year.

After the hottest summer

The dry weather follows the hottest summer on record for the UK, which left soils parched and rivers low. The Environment Agency area that includes Birmingham remains in drought status, one of ten areas in England.

Warm spells

Late September has also brought spells of warm weather, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures in the high 20s for parts of southern and south-eastern England, well above average for the time of year, while the north and west have been cooler and more unsettled.

Change on the way

The weather is set to turn more unsettled this week, with heavy rain forecast to move across the UK on Wednesday, followed by sunny spells and showers. Forecasters say it would take a long period of wetter than average weather to make up the shortfall in rivers and reservoirs.

Why it has been so dry

Much of the summer and early autumn has been dominated by high pressure, which brings settled, dry weather and blocks rain-bearing weather systems from the Atlantic. When the jet stream shifts, low pressure systems can move in more easily, bringing wind and rain.

Effects on gardens and parks

Gardeners have seen lawns turn brown and some trees shed their leaves early because of the drought. Lawns usually recover when the rain returns, but young trees and newly planted shrubs may need watering until the ground is properly soaked.

Using water wisely

Everyone is being encouraged to continue saving water, by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks and running appliances only when full.