The Environment Agency has announced that Yorkshire has started moving into drought recovery status as of December 10.
This change marks the official end of the drought which was declared on June 12, following six months of below average rainfall across the region, leading to reservoir levels being low.
However, recent wet weather has improved stocks, the Environment Agency said.
Claire Barrow, Environment Agency Yorkshire area drought manager, said: “We are pleased to see that river conditions have returned to normal and groundwater reserves are recharging meaning we are able to declare Yorkshire as being in recovery from drought.
“Over the autumn and winter months the weather is usually wetter; however, this is not guaranteed.
“If we see below average rainfall over the next few months, we could see a return to drought conditions next year.
“Consequently, we will continue to work closely with Yorkshire Water as it develops the long-term solutions necessary to protect water resources across Yorkshire.
Climate change
A statement from the UK government said it is important to note that a drought is a “naturally occurring phenomenon”.
The statement said: “As we see more impacts from climate change drier summers and periods of drought will become more frequent.
“At the same time, we can expect that rainfall events will be heavier increasing the risk of flooding including during drought.
“This poses an enormous challenge that we will all have to adapt to over the next few decades.”
The statement emphasised that everyone has a role to play in preserving water.
“For example, taking shorter showers and opting for a low-flow shower head, installing a rain butt to collect rainwater to use in the garden and turning off the taps when brushing teeth or shaving. Also, fixing a leaking toilet, which can waste 200-400L a day,” the statement said.
2025 is currently tied with 2023 to be the second-warmest year on record, according to new data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
This monthly climate update also reveals November 2025 was the third-warmest globally, with warmer-than-average temperatures recorded across Northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean.
