Yorkshire has recently joined the list of areas in England facing drought conditions, following the driest spring in 132 years in the country. The region may face hosepipe bans if significant rainfall does not occur soon, as reservoir levels continue to drop despite recent showers. Yorkshire Water reservoir stocks have fallen to 62.3%, well below the average of 85.5% for this time of year.

In the previous month, north-west England entered drought status as reservoir levels plummeted to half their capacity. The rest of the country is also experiencing prolonged dry conditions, a precursor to drought. Forecasts predict warm and dry weather ahead, with a higher chance of a hot summer.

Met Office data reveals that Yorkshire experienced its warmest spring in terms of mean temperature this year since records began in 1884. Dave Kaye, the director of water at Yorkshire Water, expressed concerns about the low reservoir levels, stating that without significant rainfall in the upcoming months, temporary usage restrictions may be necessary.

The effects of the drought are already evident in the region, with an increase in wildfires due to the hot and dry weather. Farmers have reported crop failures, and low water levels have made navigation challenging on canals and rivers. Water conservation measures are in place across the Canal & River Trust network, particularly on the Leeds & Liverpool canal.

The Environment Agency's planning manager for Yorkshire, Claire Barrow, highlighted the changing climate and the lack of rainfall in May, stressing the importance of water conservation as we head into summer. Scientists warn that climate change will make rain droughts more common due to unpredictable rainfall patterns.

Despite the urgent need for rainfall, major reservoir construction in England has been stagnant for over 30 years. The government has approved the construction of two new reservoirs, but significant rain levels akin to those in 2012 are required to avert a drought, which seems unlikely given the current weather forecasts.