Heatwave and lack of rain leave Britain ripe for an early autumn

‘We have received some of our earliest ever ripe blackberry records. Early leaf tinting has also been observed’

THE UK is experiencing the earliest signs of autumn in 20 years, prompted by the record-breaking heatwave, and the driest July since 1911.

Extreme temperatures and a lack of water have caused trees to drop their leaves and berries to ripen weeks ahead of schedule.

Most of England is already in “prolonged dry weather” status and an official drought could be called within weeks if the conditions continue.

Just 15.8mm of rain had fallen in July by yesterday – 24 per cent of the average rainfall for the month, according to Met Office data, and the lowest since 1911, when it reached just 13.4mm. That year saw a drought with food shortages and water cut off in some areas.

Forecasters warned yesterday that a little rain is on the way, but none will fall on the driest areas in the South East where it is most needed.

“The record-breaking heat we have just experienced has helped bring on a number of early autumn events,” said Fritha West from the Woodland Trust.

“We have received some of our earliest ever ripe blackberry records from the south of England.

“Hawthorn and rowan are ripening early in some [areas], where early leaf tinting has also been observed. Elder and holly have been recorded as fruiting earlier too.

“Extreme temperatures and a lack of water can cause trees to drop their leaves earlier than we’d expect.” Autumn does not officially start until Sept 1, but gardeners have reported already seeing brown leaves dropping from trees.

England has had the driest eightmonth period from November 2021 to June since 1976, when the country also struggled with major drought.

The hot, dry conditions have affected crop growth, with farmers warning of a knock-on effect on food supplies.

“The lack of rain means crops such as sugar beet and maize are showing signs of stress, while there are challenges for farmers needing to irrigate field veg and potatoes,” Tom Bradshaw, the National Farmers’ Union deputy president, said.

“The dry weather has also severely hampered grass growth which could hit feed supplies for the winter, adding extra costs to livestock farming businesses at a time when costs are continuing to rise significantly.”

Despite the forecast, Anglian Water yesterday ruled out the need for a hosepipe ban for its 4.3 million customers this year, despite serving one of the driest parts of the country.

“Our supplies in terms of public water supply are in reasonable shape,” Regan Harris, an Anglian Water spokesman, said.

However, she warned that if the weather continued to be dry, restrictions might become necessary.

A water industry source suggested other suppliers may need to bring in restrictions. Southern Water has already applied for a drought permit to allow it to continue taking water from the River Test. To obtain the permit it will need to prove it has made efforts to cut water use, which could include hosepipe bans. Representatives from the Government, water industry, farmers and river campaign groups held an emergency meeting this week to discuss measures in the run-up to a possible drought alert next month.

After the meeting, the Government called on individuals to cut their water use as a precaution against shortages. Advice from the water industry, backed by the Government, includes letting your lawn go brown and using dry shampoo instead of washing hair.