By Alice Crutchfield, our Work Experience Student

For 81 years Britain has always had a fairly wet and miserable start to the year, until this year. The rainfall figures for January to June were well below average (511.7mm) – only 356.8mm according to the Met Office.

Back in 2007, many areas of Britain were forced to impose a hosepipe ban to conserve water supplies. With even drier weather this year, could we see the ban enforced again? Reservoirs in Cumbria are below the usual depth for this time of year. Normally they are expected to be around 80% full but the lakes are well below this, with Ennerdale at only 41.3% of its full capacity. These lakes are a vital water storage system for many nearby towns including Manchester and Liverpool. This is due to the huge floods on Cumbria last year being followed by a summer drought. The Environment Agency said it is looking at options and “will not rule out the possibility of a hosepipe ban.”

Meteorologists are looking into what is causing the lack of rainfall. The Met Office believes it is due to the lack of Atlantic low pressure systems which bring bands of rain across the UK. The weather is known for being unpredictable around this time of year, making it difficult to judge whether a hosepipe ban is needed. However, according to Met Office the baking hot temperatures are not set to last, with showers sweeping the South West on Sunday and temperatures dropping by 2 or 3C.

Water boards are encouraging people to be extra vigilant and use water sensibly during this dry period to avoid the need for a hose pipe ban. So far, Anglian Water reports that they have not seen a surge in demand for water over the dry period. They believe this is down to sensible households watching their water consumption. Stephen Kay, head of Cambridge Water explains that more people turning their taps on could increase demands by up to 20% across the network.

Lack of water and hot temperatures is a serious problem which can affect one’s health. Dehydration is one of the main problems associated with hot, dry weather. The hot weather at night can also cause lack of sleep according to experts from Papworth hospital. They suggest keeping bedrooms as cool as possible to aid sleep.

It’s not just humans that are suffering from the dry spell. Animals at a Cambridge wildlife park are finding it difficult coping with the heat. Tigers are having their food frozen for them into “bloodsicles” so they don’t over heat and rabbits have had new tunnels dug for shelter. Wild animals have been suffering too, with watering holes being dried up and increased fire risks in their habitats.