Britain's spring of 2025 has etched itself into meteorological history as the driest in 132 years, surpassing even the Victorian-era drought of 1893. This unprecedented event has left water companies implementing emergency measures, farmers struggling with parched soils, and millions facing potential hosepipe bans. But what exactly caused this extraordinary weather pattern, how long will it persist, and what does it mean for Britain's water security over the next five years?

Thames Water, the UK's largest water supplier serving over 16 million customers across London and the South East, has warned that hosepipe restrictions may be inevitable this summer unless weather conditions dramatically improve. The announcement comes as the company grapples with the combined pressures of record-breaking dry weather and England's warmest June on record.

Yorkshire Water has officially implemented the first hosepipe ban of 2025, effective from Friday, July 11th, affecting 5.5 million households across the region. The unprecedented restrictions come after Yorkshire experienced the driest spring in 132 years, leading to the region being declared officially in drought status in June.

It’s a shocking reality in 2025: water companies across the UK continue to discharge millions of hours of untreated sewage into our rivers and seas each year. Despite growing public outrage, hefty fines, and criminal investigations, these practices persist — raising urgent questions about how our water systems are managed, and what role we as individuals can play in alleviating the crisis.

1. Deadhead Flowers Regularly

2. Water Thoroughly, Especially New Plantings

3. Feed Containers and Hanging Baskets

4. Trim Hedges and Lightly Prune Shrubs

5. Check for Pests and Diseases

6. Support Tall Perennials

7. Layer or Take Softwood Cuttings

8. Weed Beds and Mulch if Dry

9. Top Up Water Features and Bird Baths

10. Plan Late Summer Colour

1. Water Consistently and Deeply

2. Harvest Little and Often

3. Feed Hungry Crops

4. Sow Successions

5. Pinch Out Tomato Side Shoots

6. Watch for Pests and Diseases

7. Weed Regularly

8. Thin Fruit on Trees

9. Shade Tender Crops

10. Plan and Prepare for Autumn Crops

This year, Britain’s weather is sounding an unmistakable alarm. From the hottest spring on record to the driest start to the year since 1997, we’re witnessing first hand how climate change is tightening its grip on our daily lives - and our precious water resources.

Recent coverage by The Times, Financial Times, and The Guardian paints a concerning picture:

In an era where sustainable water management has become paramount, the evolution of rainwater harvesting technology continues to push the boundaries of innovation and functionality. Among the pioneering companies leading this transformation, ThinTanks has emerged as a distinguished designer and manufacturer whose commitment to excellence exemplifies the principle of "Quality by Design" in every aspect of their rainwater harvesting and storage solutions.

In recent days, the UK has witnessed two extreme environmental events within its borders — a drought declared across Yorkshire by the Environment Agency and flash flooding in Kent, which led to dramatic rescues. These seemingly contradictory events highlight a deepening climate crisis and an urgent need for smarter, more resilient water management.

As unpredictable weather becomes the new normal, how do we protect our homes, conserve precious resources, and build a more sustainable future? At ThinTanks, we believe the answer lies not in choosing between fighting droughts or managing floods — but in addressing both simultaneously with intelligent, space-efficient rainwater harvesting.

This bank holiday weekend (24th-26th May) marks a shift from the recent warm, dry spell to more typical British weather. Expect mixed conditions with sunny spells alternating with showers and occasional heavier rain. Temperatures will be cooler than recent weeks, reaching 20-23°C in the south but feeling fresher. The changeable weather actually provides excellent gardening opportunities - just be prepared to work between the showers!

Download Weekend Gardening To Do Lists

• May Bank Holiday Weekend Garden Checklist 2025

• Flower & Shrub Garden Checklist

• Vegetable Garden Checklist

As of May 2025, the likelihood of hosepipe bans across the UK is rising due to significantly below-average rainfall and decreasing reservoir levels in many regions. The highest risk areas are in South East England and East Anglia, where water companies like Thames Water report reservoir levels well below seasonal norms, prompting warnings of potential restrictions. Other regions at notable risk include North West England and North East England, where river flows and reservoir capacities have dropped significantly, triggering early drought planning by local authorities.

In contrast, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland currently face lower risk levels,

UK Water Companies Price Increase Rankings.

Annual bill changes for 2025-26 (ranked highest to lowest increase) based on Consumer Council for Water (CCW) and Ofwat Final Determinations 2024

Despite the UK's reputation for frequent rain, many regions-especially in the south and southeast-are experiencing increasing water stress due to climate change and population growth.

In today's world, space is a premium, and sustainability is a necessity. ThinTanks™ offers the perfect solution, combining innovative design with environmental responsibility. Our slimline rainwater tanks are designed to fit seamlessly into any environment, providing an efficient and aesthetically pleasing rainwater storage solution.

Water conservation has never been more crucial. With the increasing demand for water in both residential and commercial spaces, finding efficient, sustainable solutions is key to ensuring a better future for our planet.

Using a dataset spanning 50 years, we calculated the historical probability of hosepipe bans by region and adjusted it for climate change trends, which suggest an increasing risk of droughts. Below is a summary of the findings:

• South East: 40% historical chance, rising to 44% in 2025

• East Anglia: 30% historical chance, rising to 33% in 2025

• South West: 24% historical chance, rising to 26% in 2025

• Midlands: 16% historical chance, rising to 18% in 2025

• North West: 10% historical chance, rising to 11% in 2025

• North East: 6% historical chance, rising to 7% in 2025

• Wales: 8% historical chance, rising to 9% in 2025

• Scotland: 2% historical chance, rising to 2.2% in 2025

• Northern Ireland: 4% historical chance, rising to 4.4% in 2025

In today's world, sustainability is more than just a buzzword—it's a necessity. As industries across the globe continue to grapple with the effects of climate change, the need for eco-friendly solutions has never been more urgent. One area where significant progress is being made is in storage systems, particularly through the design and development of advanced tanks that reduce environmental impact.

Water is one of our most valuable resources, yet it’s becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world. With the ongoing challenges of climate change and growing populations, the pressure on our water supplies is higher than ever. In response, innovative design is revolutionizing how we store, manage, and conserve water. One of the key drivers of this change is the rise of sustainable water storage solutions like ThinTanks, which are helping individuals, businesses, and communities take control of their water usage.

December is a quieter month in the garden, but there's still plenty to do to prepare for the colder weather and ensure your garden is ready to thrive when spring arrives. From protecting plants to planning for the future, here's a comprehensive guide on what to do in your UK garden this December.

November is a month of preparation, protection, and planning in the garden. By focusing on these essential tasks, you can ensure your garden stays healthy through the winter and is ready to burst into life come spring. From clearing leaves and planting bulbs to feeding the soil and caring for wildlife, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Embrace the cooler days and enjoy the opportunity to reflect on the past growing season while laying the groundwork for a successful year ahead. Happy gardening!