DEVON will be in drought next year if this winter is very dry, the Environment Agency has warned.

The environmental regulator has released its Drought Prospects Report, examining the wet weather needed through the winter to ensure the country’s current low water levels recover by spring 2026.

Three scenarios have been created, each looking at the impact in March on the counties in the South West if 100 per cent, 80 per cent or 60 per cent of expected rainfall happens.

Right now, Devon is in 'normal’ status.

If 100 per cent of expected rainfall happens, that will continue.

However, if 80 per cent of rainfall occurs, that will change to prolonged dry weather status.

And should only 60 per cent of rainfall, Devon will be in drought, though the Environment Agency says there is only a two to six per cent chance of that situation occurring.

Drought is only over when water levels are fully replenished, and England has seen below average rainfall for eight out of ten months so far this year.

This means that flooding in drought is possible, including flash floods as dry soils struggle to soak up intense downpours.

The Met Office has indicated a higher-than-usual likelihood of dry conditions over three months from November to January.

This could cause drought conditions to worsen, leading to hosepipe bans, significant pressures on the environment and a risk to crop yields.

The Environment Agency is urging the public to continue to play their part and use water wisely through winter, in anticipation of another drought year.

Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said: ‘There will be a drought next year, unless we get sustained rainfall through the winter.

‘The severity of that drought will depend both on the weather and the actions we take over winter following this very dry year.

‘The public have been brilliant in using a little less water this summer and following the restrictions in some parts of the country.

‘I would urge people to continue to be as efficient as possible with their water use this winter - even if it is raining outside.

‘Our wildlife, our rivers and our public water supplies depend on it’.

Water Minister, Emma Hardy, said: ‘I welcome the recent rainfall but the prolonged dry weather throughout this year continues to pose risks to public water supplies, farming, and the environment.

‘We continue to work with the National Drought Group and water companies to maintain supplies for communities across the country.

‘Climate change means we will face more frequent, severe droughts and flooding in the years ahead.

‘That’s why this government is taking decisive action to secure our long-term water resilience, which includes building nine new reservoirs and investing in new pipes to reduce leakage’.

Will Lang, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: ‘While it's not possible to definitively forecast weather for the next three months, the chances of a dry period are higher than normal.

‘A more average three-month period for rainfall is still the most likely scenario.

‘It is important to note that rainfall patterns in England can be variable, so while some may see more rainfall, others will see less, possibly giving limited relief from long-standing dry conditions’.