The hosepipe ban has affected millions of households – is your area affected?

Drought is a complex phenomenon driven by a combination of nature and humans.

Although there is no clear trend yet, the Met Office expects the UK to experience drier summers on average in future as the world warms.

But the increase in air temperature plays a more direct role by absorbing more moisture into the soil through evaporation.

Richard Allen, professor of climate science at the University of Reading, said: “A warmer atmosphere becomes more humid and this means that water in soils, rivers and reservoirs are depleted more effectively, leading to more rapid droughts, heat waves and wildfires.”

But there are other factors that determine whether dry conditions lead to water scarcity, including how we use water.

in A significant review In the water sector in England and Wales, water companies have been criticized for historically low investment in water infrastructure.

The government and water companies have planned according to the plan to solve the water shortage Nine new reservoirs for England by 2050In addition to the one being built at Havant Ticket in Hampshire.

But the Environmental Protection Agency has warned that measures to tackle leaks and control water demand – possibly including hosepipe restrictions and more smart meters – will be needed. It may also be required in England.

Water companies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – all public bodies or not-for-profit – are also taking steps to secure future supplies, he said.