Is UK facing drought for second summer in a row?

Is UK facing drought for second summer in a row? Image source, BBC Weather Watcher / alpaca ladyImage caption, Dry, cracked earth is already evident in some parts of the UK, like here in CambridgeshireBySarah Keith-LucasLead weather presenterPublished2 minutes agoCommentsSummer so far has been exceptionally hot and dry across much of the UK, with three widespread heatwaves and the longest run of dry days in central England since 1995.England, Wales and eastern Scotland have been the driest areas over recent weeks, and this follows a very dry spring in similar regions. Very little rainfall is forecast through this week for most places, with only a few light showers possible, mainly close to coasts.As we head through the second half of summer, what are the longer range predictions, and are we heading into drought for the second summer in a row?How dry has it been?Rainfall so far this summer has been below average across the UK as a whole, but there has been large regional contrast. Up to the middle of summer - 15 July - parts of eastern and north-eastern England had received just 26% of their total expected summer rainfall. Areas of northern and western Scotland had more than average for the first half of the summer, though.For central England it has been the longest dry spell since 1995. Wisley in Surrey has seen 33 consecutive dry days.Comparisons are being made with last summer, when drought was declared across much of England, Wales and eastern Scotland. It officially ended just four months ago. This year, drought has not developed as quickly because heavy rainfall recharged our aquifers, rivers and reservoirs during a very wet autumn and winter. However, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology says flash droughts, external with a sudden transition between wet and dry conditions are "likely to happen more often, and be more intense".Image caption, The week ahead brings very little rainfall to most places away from north-west ScotlandWhen and where is any...