Following fears that first frost, then drought, which continues to affect much of England, would damage crops, the Environment Agency has today issued a number of flood warnings covering the South West, Midlands and North East. A week of heavy rain has added the latest unpredictable twist in what has proven to be an unpredictable and testing year so far.

There are currently 35 flood warnings in force in England, most of which (19) are in the South West, where heavy rainfall following dry weather has led to run off and flooding. The Environment Agency has also issued a large number of flood alerts; these less severe warnings are concentrated in the South and the Midlands.

Although farmers in many parts of the country will welcome last week’s rains, which are set to continue in the South, experts have warned that drought regions require twice the average summer rainfall to reverse the effects of drought. Two incredibly dry winters have left affected regions with low groundwater levels and, in parts, low river flow.

As the recharge window has closed, meaning groundwater levels are unlikely to rise before the autumn, heavy rainfall is more likely to run off and cause flooding as it is unable to percolate the soil. Last month, meteorologists said that a large amount of prolonged, light rain over the summer would be ideal for farmers and to lift stricken regions out of drought. However, policy makers have said they are preparing for the worst and expect the drought to last until Christmas and beyond.

Ben Walker, of the University of Reading’s Walker Institute, offered a reminder of the severity of the situation, which has led to a hosepipe ban and voluntary restrictions in the South East. He said, "We've seen less rainfall over the last year than in the 1976 drought and for the south east we have to go back to 1921 to see such a severe and prolonged lack of rainfall.” 

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