Heavy Rain Won't End England's Drought, Met Office Warns

The Met Office forecasts heavy rain across the UK from 18 August 2026 but warns it won't reverse drought affecting over 71% of England. Rain hitting dry, compacted soil will run off rather than soak in, causing surface flooding instead of refilling depleted reservoirs and aquifers (underground water stores). Five key reservoirs are "exceptionally low," needing weeks of steady, moderate rain to recover.