Heavy rain on dry ground may cause UK floods as taps run dry for thousands

Forecasters say ‘first meaningful rain for a long time’ will not reverse widespread drought conditions

Floods and drought could hit the UK at the same time this week, with heavy rain forecast to fall on hard, parched soil.

While some parts of the UK will have the “first meaningful rain for a long time” in the coming days, it will not reverse widespread drought conditions that have put pressure on wildlife, farmers, firefighters and water resources.