By Abdullahi Lukman
Floods, following heavy rains, could strike parts of England this autumn, even as the country remains in drought, forecasters have warned.
While some areas may face flooding and damage, the rainfall is unlikely to alleviate the prolonged dry conditions that have depleted rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater supplies.
Met Office chief meteorologist Will Lang explained that drought and flood risks can coexist, noting that the expected unsettled weather will not be sufficient to end the drought, especially in the drier eastern regions.
He said, “We are going to need more rain than that” to reverse drought effects.
Caroline Douglass, executive director for flooding at the Environment Agency, highlighted that heavy rain on hardened, dry soil can worsen flooding, as dry ground often causes rapid runoff rather than absorption. She emphasized that steady, gentle rainfall is needed to truly end drought conditions—not sudden downpours.
The Met Office’s latest outlook forecasts a wetter-than-average autumn, raising concerns over potential floods.
In response, the government’s flood taskforce, formed after devastating floods last year, will meet soon to advise ministers on flood preparedness. Last year’s floods caused widespread damage and resulted in 20 fatalities.
Flood action measures, such as the Rapid Flood Guidance forecasting system, are helping emergency responders with early warnings and targeted interventions.
Floods Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the severe disruptions floods cause, stating the taskforce’s role in protecting vulnerable communities.
With wetter months ahead, coordination among emergency services and agencies is critical.
Lang also noted that while western and northern parts of the UK may see increased rainfall, eastern and southern areas could remain relatively dry, reflecting regional variations in the forecast.
The ongoing situation underscores the complex challenge of managing flood risk amid drought, with officials urging preparedness and long-term solutions to mitigate impacts on people and infrastructure.
