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UK Drought Persists Despite Rain, Scientists Warn

8/18/2026

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Story summary
  • Rain returned to parts of the United Kingdom this week, but scientists say it does not end the drought.
  • Dr Katie Facer-Childs of the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology says the country is experiencing meteorological, soil-moisture and river-flow drought but not severe groundwater drought.
  • Prof Tim Palmer of Oxford University warns that if rains do not return, the United Kingdom could face catastrophic conditions next year.