Droughts are complex phenomena, driven by a mix of natural and human causes.
The Met Office expects the UK to experience drier summers on average in future as the world warms, though there has been no clear trend so far.
But rising temperatures can play a more direct role by drawing extra moisture from the soil via evaporation.
“A warmer atmosphere is thirstier for moisture and this can mean water in the soil, rivers and reservoirs are depleted more effectively, leading to more rapidly onsetting droughts, heatwaves and wildfires,” said Richard Allan, professor of climate science at the University of Reading.
But there are other factors that determine whether dry conditions lead to water shortages, including how we use water.
In a landmark review into the water sector of England and Wales, water companies were criticised for historic underinvestment in water infrastructure.
And while spring and summer were relatively dry for much of the UK, winter was much wetter than usual, raising questions about how effectively water is being managed.
As part of plans to address water shortages, the government and water companies are planning nine new reservoirs for England by 2050, in addition to one under construction at Havant Thicket in Hampshire.
But the EA has warned that measures to tackle water leaks and control water demand – potentially including hosepipe bans – may be needed in England too.
Water companies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland – which are all public bodies or non-profit – also said they were taking steps to secure future supplies.
