Low rivers after dry April raises drought fears in central and southern England

Month was one of driest on record with rainfall 23% less than average, according to Met Office figures

One of the driest Aprils on record for central and southern England has left river levels below normal, raising fears of drought in some areas over the summer.

The latest UK hydrological survey – which tracks river and groundwater levels – suggests central and southern England and eastern Scotland will experience notably low river flows over the next three months, raising concerns about water shortages if dry weather persists.