Was there a 1976 drought following the major heatwave?

Was there a 1976 drought following the major heatwave?
Edgbaston reservoir in Birmingham looked dry in August 1976 (Picture: Birmingham Post and Mail Archive/Mirrorpix/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) The UK is enduring yet another heatwave – after July 2022 saw temperatures reach a record-breaking 40°C. Continued hot temperatures of up to 35°C in August – along with the driest July for 111 years – has led to hosepipe bans in parts of the country, as well as a drought being declared in England. Naturally, many will be reflecting on the extreme weather and how it compares to previous bouts of heat from years gone by.
One of the most famous heatwaves in the UK happened in 1976 – but did that lead to drought conditions, too? Well, you can probably guess… Was there a 1976 drought following the major heatwave? To keep things simple: yes, the 1976 heatwave did indeed lead to a drought. A Northampton reservoir was dried up in July 1976 (Photo by Wesley/Keystone/Getty Images) The heatwave took place 46 years ago now – but was a memorable 15 days (from June 23 to July 7) for those who lived it, as temperatures rocketed to a peak of 35. 6°C.
It was a record high at the time, and the prolonged hot spell didn’t do anything to help the fact that, since 1975, the country had been experiencing particularly dry conditions. Things were especially bad in July and August 1976. Hosepipes were switched off, and people saw lakes and reservoirs dry up, while water was rationed.
Countryfile reports that thousands of fish and birds died due to the drought. A swarm of hungry ladybirds began tormenting the country’s towns and villages, too. Drought warning signs popped up in 1976 (Picture: Frank Barratt/Keystone/Getty Images) Labour politician Denis Howell (left) became temporary Minister for Drought – as well as being Minister for Sport (Picture: Monti Spry/Central Press/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) Many fields and gardens lost their green, with images from the time showing beige fields and even Sussex County Cricket Ground almost devoid of any green.
Big Ben in London even broke for a few weeks, as its mechanisms were affected by the sheer heat. But worst affected were people in South Wales, some of whom had their water switched off for a reported 17 hours per day, as per the BBC – turning off at 2pm and returned the following morning. Things got so severe that Parliament had to pass the Drought Act by August 6, and bring in MP Denis Howell as Minister for Drought – who brought in various measures to conserve water.
By the end of August, though, there was finally some rain… quite a lot of it, too. Mr Howell soon earned the nickname ‘Minister of Floods’. MORE : Drought set to be declared in England today with temperatures reaching 35°C MORE : When was the last hosepipe ban in the UK, and how can you save water during one? MORE : 10,000 people flee huge wildfire ravaging France while heatwaves scorch Europe Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below.