Farmers prepare for future drought following driest March in 60 years

The Met Office confirmed that farmers should expect a wetter period through the middle of April, with showers or longer spells of rain at times. 

Heavy rain and thunderstorms could also appear in certain regions across the UK. 

Strong winds may develop in some areas, particularly the south and west. Temperatures are likely to return closer to the seasonal average. 

Unsettled weather is possible at the end of April, with showers or longer spells of rain in places. 

However, a change to more settled conditions is most likely through this period as high pressure becomes more influential.  

This settled theme continues into early May, although some spells of wetter, unsettled weather remain possible, especially in the south. Temperatures are expected to be above average overall, the Met Office said. 

Need for water reservoirs

Andrew Blenkiron of Elveden Farms, located on the Suffolk and Norfolk border, is one of the farmers who decided to prepare for the future drought. 

Mr Blenkiron has been building the third water reservoir on the farm, which is expected to cost him about £3 million. 

He told the BBC: “It is a significant investment, but we see it as one of the only ways that we’re going to guarantee our supply of water throughout the season.” 

Mr Blenkiron explained that the farm grows crops which require significant amounts of water, such as potatoes, onions and carrots. 

The farmer has also pointed out that new reservoirs are particularly needed in East Anglia to capture water in winter that could then be used in drier months. 

@nfu Suffolk member Andrew Blenkiron has been interviewed by the BBC about the £3m reservoir being built on the Norfolk/Suffolk border. https://t.co/jhJlOzJkST

— NFU East (@nfueast) April 8, 2025

Read more rural news.