The Environment Agency has warned that recent rainfall is "nowhere near enough" to reverse the effects of drought conditions across parts of England, despite a wetter September.
Rainfall totals vary across UK
While UK rainfall was close to average overall in September, southern England remained relatively dry. Scotland saw more than a third above its usual rainfall for the month, according to the latest Met Office update.
Drought-hit areas of England are still facing a "serious" situation, with water supplies limited and several reservoirs remaining "concerningly low".
Environment Agency warning
Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said recent rainfall had still not been enough to reverse the effects of the dry spring and record hot summer.
He said: "September's rainfall has been welcome, but a few weeks of unsettled weather is nowhere near enough to reverse the water deficits caused by a dry spring and record hot summer.
"Drought is only over when groundwater, rivers, and reservoirs are back to normal levels – and that will take months of significant and sustained wet weather.
"In the meantime, the situation remains serious with drought hit areas of England again seeing the least amount of rain over the month. Water supplies are limited and several reservoirs are concerningly low.
"We still need everyone to use a little less water to speed up the drought recovery and save more for our local rivers, farmers, and wildlife."
Record warm September
The warning comes after the UK recorded its joint fourth warmest September on record, according to provisional Met Office figures dating back to 1884.
The month had an average temperature of 14.6C, with temperatures reaching as high as 28.1C on September 29.
England recorded its third warmest September, while Northern Ireland had its fourth warmest and Wales its joint sixth. Scotland was also warmer than average but remained outside its top 10 warmest Septembers.
Sunshine levels were around average across the UK overall, although Northern Ireland was duller than usual.
