DORSET is now in a drought, the Environment Agency has confirmed.

Following some of the driest conditions for nearly 90 years, all of the south west of England has moved into drought status.

While the area has had some rainfall over the last two weeks, this has not been sufficient to compensate for the long dry period in recent months, the Environment Agency said.

In the Wessex area, the effects of drought are resulting in low river flows impacting the environment in and around rivers.

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Chris Paul, the Environment Agency’s area drought lead, said: “Despite some heavy rain over the past two weeks, it has not been enough to refill our rivers and aquifers. 

“River levels across our Wessex area are exceptionally low - many showing the lowest flows on record.

“This places incredible strain on local wildlife and this is why we are moving to drought status. 

“We are prioritising our local operations to minimise impacts on the environment.”

With Wessex now declaring a drought, 11 of the 14 Environment Agency areas in England are now in drought status.

The Environment Agency said action being taken across the area includes additional monitoring of the effects of the dry weather on rivers and responding to environmental emergencies, such as rescuing stranded fish, wherever possible.

It will also be ensuring people and companies who have water abstraction licences only operate within the terms of their licence and taking legal action against those who fail to comply or against anyone who abstracts water without a licence.

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In the Environment Agency’s monthly water situation report, it said it was the driest July across England since 1935 and the fifth consecutive month with below average rainfall.

The majority of catchment areas received exceptionally low rainfall during July, with the lowest monthly totals seen across south east England.

Five areas across the south coast received less than 2mm of rainfall, with the New Forest receiving only three per cent of the long-term average.

The report said: “For the three month period from August to October for the UK there is an increased chance of warm conditions consistent with an increased westerly flow from warmer than average seas.

“Any rainfall is likely to follow the typical pattern of wetter conditions in the north-west and drier conditions in the south-east.”