Minister urges water saving as severe drought declared in southern England

Summary

A minister has urged people to save water, saying drought is becoming the new normal, as severe drought affects parts of southern England. BBC News says the declaration followed months of low rainfall; its earlier report said reservoir levels were dropping after a hot summer and less September rain than normal. The Guardian reported that drought was declared in six areas of England as reservoirs ran low.

Timeline

1. The Guardian

   15 Oct 2026, 12:18 UTCSource ↗

   The Guardian reports that a severe drought was declared in six areas of England as reservoirs ran low.

2. BBC

   15 Oct 2026, 15:55 UTCSource ↗

   BBC News reports that a severe drought was declared in parts of southern England, with reservoir levels continuing to drop after a hot summer and less September rain than normal.

3. BBC

   16 Oct 2026, 12:15 UTCSource ↗

   BBC News reports that a minister urged people to save water and said drought was becoming the new normal, after severe drought was declared across parts of southern England following months of low rainfall.