Dry weather 'increasing pressure' on environment
Trippthedog/BBC Weather WatchersPeople in the South West have been urged to use water wisely as a spell of dry weather continues to impact the environment.
Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly has been moved to prolonged dry weather status by the Environment Agency (EA) after England's warmest spring on record and a series of summer heatwaves.
It said the status recognised the low levels of rainfall and reduced river flows locally along with the high temperatures increasing pressure on the environment.
Joanne Laeger, EA's environment planning and engagement manager, said everyone needed to do their bit as "the climate is changing".
Laeger said: "Following the warmest spring on record and the third heatwave of the year, we could see a summer of environmental incidents ranging from fish in distress to algal blooms.
"The Environment Agency urges everyone to do their bit and use water more wisely.
"The more water we use, the less there is available for the environment."
She added the South West was the third EA area to move into a state of prolonged dry weather this year.
EA said it was ready to respond to any incidents in the environment caused by these conditions.
The organisation added it would continue to balance the needs of water users and protect the environment.
It said despite a "wet start to 2026", March to May saw Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly get below-average amounts of rainfall and rainstorms in early June did not make up for that loss.
It added the National Drought Group - which includes the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers' Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers and conservation experts - were monitoring the situation.