WATER restrictions could feature later this year, according to a University of Reading meteorologist.
Dr Stephen Burt believes that hosepipe bans could come into effect if the recent dry spell, which saw the university record its first rain in over a month on February 16, continues.
He said: “This morning’s slight rain and drizzle brought only the second instance of measurable precipitation in more than four weeks. The last time we had even 1 mm of rainfall was on 15 January, more than a month ago.
“Precipitation this winter has been remarkable. It’s either been ‘on’ or ‘off’, with nothing in between. The first half of December was almost rainless, the driest period on University records dating back to 1908.
“The second half of December and the first half of January were very wet, with 136 mm of rainfall recorded, which is twice the normal rate for this period.”
He added that after 29 consecutive days of rain, starting from December 18, rainfall was only recorded twice. On both occasions, it was “very light”.
The succession of wet days in late December and early January helped fill the reservoirs after last summer’s drought, but Dr Burt fears a continuation of dry spells will increase the likelihood of water restrictions being reinstated.
