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Why is the UK experiencing both drought and flood risks at the same time?
The UK’s weather patterns are becoming more unpredictable due to climate change. After a hot, dry spring and summer, soils have dried out, increasing drought risk. However, heavy autumn rains can hit these dry soils hard, causing flooding. This combination is driven by extreme weather variability, where dry conditions and heavy rainfall can occur close together.
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How can heavy rains cause flooding in dry soils?
Dry, hard soils have reduced ability to absorb water. When heavy rains fall on these soils, the water cannot seep in quickly, leading to surface runoff. This runoff can cause flash floods, especially in urban areas or regions with poor drainage, even if the overall rainfall isn’t extremely high.
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Which regions in the UK are most at risk of drought or flooding?
Eastern parts of the UK, such as East Anglia and parts of Southeast England, are more prone to drought due to less rainfall and ongoing dry conditions. Conversely, western regions and areas with heavy rainfall, like parts of Wales and the North, are more vulnerable to flooding, especially where soils are already dry and hard.
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What is the government doing to prepare for these weather extremes?
The UK government has an active flood taskforce working to improve flood defenses and warning systems. Investments are being made to protect over 27,500 properties from flooding. Authorities are also encouraging communities to prepare for both drought and flood risks, emphasizing infrastructure resilience and early warning systems.
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Will the wetter weather end the drought?
Forecasters warn that despite the wetter forecast for autumn, the drought may persist into winter, especially in eastern regions. The amount of rainfall needed to fully end the drought is significant, and current predictions suggest that dry conditions could continue in some areas, requiring ongoing water management efforts.