• Yorkshire recorded its lowest rainfall in almost 90 years, with only 78mm since February, significantly impacting crop yields.
• Temperatures are expected to reach 26C (79F), far exceeding the average for late April, exacerbating drought conditions.
• Experts warn that the UK's increasing extreme weather events due to climate change necessitate better water resource management and drought preparedness.

Yorkshire and other parts of the UK are facing severe drought conditions due to unusually low rainfall and high temperatures. This has led to failing crops, stressed water resources, and warnings from environmentalists and farmers. The situation mirrors the drought of 2022, raising concerns about food security and the long-term impact of climate change on agriculture. The National Drought Group is coordinating efforts to manage scarce water resources, and the Environment Agency is urging the public to conserve water.

• What: Severe drought conditions characterized by low rainfall, high temperatures, and failing crops.
• Who: Farmers, environmentalists, the Environment Agency, the National Drought Group, water companies, and the UK government.
• When: February to present (May 2025), with comparisons to the 2022 drought and historical rainfall data.
• Where: Primarily Yorkshire and England, with specific mentions of Sheffield, the Vale of York, Newbury, Derbyshire and other regions experiencing water scarcity.

The current drought highlights the increasing vulnerability of UK agriculture to climate change. The lack of rainfall, combined with rising temperatures, is putting immense pressure on farmers and water resources. The situation is exacerbated by a lack of investment in water infrastructure and the need for more sustainable water management practices. The comparison to the 2022 drought serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of inaction, including crop failures, water shortages, and economic impacts. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, including government policies, water company investments, and individual efforts to conserve water.

"And with the lack of rainfall we are already looking at a 15% drop in crop yield."

"This is what the weather models have been telling us for a number of years, but now we're actually seeing it with our own eyes."

"Agriculture really depends on seasonal weather patterns, and those have clearly changed a lot, so it's very difficult for farmers to decide what to drill, where to plant their crops,"

"The extreme weather patterns we have experienced over the past few years are impacting our ability to feed the nation."

"If the summer remains as dry as this spring, the driest spring since the infamous year of 1976, then we're all going to pay the price for the complacency that has been the hallmark of the way water companies have managed our water."

Yorkshire and the wider UK are grappling with severe drought conditions, posing significant challenges to agriculture and water resources. The situation is a consequence of climate change and highlights the urgent need for improved water management, infrastructure investment, and sustainable farming practices. While the long-term forecast remains uncertain, immediate action is required to mitigate the impacts of the drought and build resilience against future extreme weather events. The combined impact of drought and flood risks needs confronting to secure food supply.