Drought declared across Sussex as warm weather continues

Parts of south-west, southern, eastern and central England have been moved into drought status by the Environment Agency, including the whole of Sussex, as reservoirs have dried up across the country.

Eight of the agency’s 14 regions across England have been moved into the status, including Solent and South Downs and Kent, South London and East Sussex.

The announcement means that domestic and commercial water use is likely to be restricted to conserve water as dry conditions persist and temperatures remain high.

It comes after the Met Office confirmed that Sussex experienced its driest July in history and as a hosepipe ban comes into force for some South East Water customers in the county.

Rugby pitches in Hove have been dried out due to the warm weather and lack of rainfall

Water minister Steve Double has sought to reassure the public and said that essential supplies are safe.

He said: “We are better prepared than ever before for periods of dry weather, but we will continue to closely monitor the situation, including impacts on farmers and the environment, and take further action as needed.”

Large parts of Sussex, including Chichester, Haywards Heath, Uckfield and swathes of the South Downs, face the prospect of “exceptionally severe” wildfires over the weekend, according to the Met Office.

Firefighters across the country have had to tackle several blazes that have erupted in fields in recent days.

Fire crews were called to a blaze near a care home in Walberton earlier this week

Fire services in both West and East Sussex have urged the public not to have barbecues or bonfires in grassland areas or throw cigarettes out of car windows due to the risk of sparking wildfires in the dry weather.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said they have attended 32 grassland fires since July, with a third taking place since the start of this month alone.

Temperatures are set to reach 31C today, with the warm weather expected to continue until the end of the week. However, some light showers are forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday. 

Southern Water has been contacted for comment.