This summer has been at times stifling. We shouldn’t complain given the usual drab British summers we generally experience, but I’m sure that many of us wouldn’t mind a slight downturn in the blistering heat.
Such was the ferocity of the sun, that June broke records. It was Sussex’s driest for nearly 100 years. In fact, the last time it was so dry was as far back as 1921.
The last bout of heavy rainfall was seen on the 30th of May, with drizzle on June 17th the last sighting of any kind of rain.
You needn’t worry about the shortage of rainfall, with water supplies still sufficient. The record for consecutive days without rain was 45 in 1976, with this summer not looking so dire in comparison.
Southern Water does, however, request that people be sensible with their water consumption, cutting out non-essential water usage in order to be safe.
With the rain not expected until July 25th, it is understandable why Southern Water are erring on the side of caution.
A Met Office spokesman, Graham Madge, reemphasised just how severe the rain shortage was: “Sussex only recorded 2.6mm rain in June 2018, which is only five per cent of what should be expected in an average June.”
Be sure to enjoy this unprecedented, and highly unusual heatwave, for as long as possible. However, remain conscientious with regards to your water usage.
