Water warnings issued as UK experiences 'unusually dry' spring

Millions of households have been warned they could face water restrictions as parts of the country experience an "unusually dry" spring.

England faces a "medium" risk of drought this summer without sustained rainfall, the Environment Agency warned. It said while there are currently no hosepipe bans planned, water companies might have to implement measures including restrictions in the months ahead.

Find out the forecast for your area The regulator urged utilities to take action to cut leaks and help customers save water. Thames Water warned of the potential for water restrictions for its 16 million customers if the weather stays dry.

Spring has been "unusually dry" across much of the UK, the Met Office said. The forecaster said a persistent area of high pressure known as a "blocking high" that has been hanging over the country since the end of February is to blame.

Such systems bring descending air which suppresses cloud formation and prevents rain. The Met Office said the blocking high has been reinforced by an amplified jet stream, which acts to trap high pressure in place and leads to prolonged dry spells.

It said while some areas may see brief showers, most of the UK will remain dry throughout the weekend and likely into next week. Read more from Sky News:Man who has spent 38 years in jail has conviction quashedTory MP charged with sexual assaults at Groucho Club Dry, warm and sunny spring This year's spring could be on track to be one of the driest on record.

It has "not just been dry, it's been warm and sunny too," said Sky News weather producer Joanna Robinson. She said it was "very dry" in March and April, which saw 43% and 56% of the average rainfall respectively, and the dry theme has been continuing through May so far.

So far in the UK, spring has seen just 35% of its average rainfall, while around 79% would usually be expected by this point, she added. Trees and plants will be put under stress by lack of rain The National Trust said the spring had been "incredible" for flowers, with last year's wet weather and recent sunshine likely contributing to brilliant displays of cherry blossoms, bluebells, apple blossom and hawthorn.

But Rebecca Bevan, senior national consultant on plant health and sustainability at the Trust, said: "With this year's spring set to become one of the driest on record, this initial display is likely to be followed by less good performance into the summer as many trees and other plants will be put under stress by the lack of rain. "Drought conditions can lead to slow growth, poor flowering and an increased risk of diseases such as blackspot and mildew.

"Gardeners are urged not to resort to watering with mains water however, as this will deplete reserves needed for agriculture and wildlife - installing water butts is the best way to catch any rain we do get for use in the garden.".