Bring on the rain! Photos reveal region's dried-up lakes and rivers
Our green hills have turned brown and flowing rivers turned to a trickle – never has Shropshire needed such a soaking.
Thunderstorms are expected to pass through our region this weekend, but with the heatwave returning next week they are unlikely to do much to transform the landscape.
New images were released today to show the effects of the most sustained hot spell since 1976.
Ian Maddock, professor of river science at The University of Worcester, released two contrasting images which sums up the state of Shropshire’s rivers.
WATCH: Drone footage shows dried-up River Teme
The pictures show a section of the River Teme between Knighton and Leintwardine.
While one image, taken in April, shows lush green farmland and flowing currents, the second more recent image depicts a very different scene.
Some parts of the river have completely dried out, and vegetation is growing in what is usually the riverbed.
GALLERY: Low water at Lake Vyrnwy and the Elan Valley
Professor Maddocks said that much of the river downstream looks similar.
He added that while this is not unfamiliar, what is unusual is the early timing of the drying.
July is still early summer, meaning there could be many more weeks of dry weather to come.
Dave Throup of the Environment Agency posted images of the River Redlake in south west Shropshire, which has dried out entirely.
Agency experts yesterday rescued 80 brown trout, taking them to areas where water is still flowing.
Water is being siphoned from Lake Vyrnwy reservoir in Powys in an attempt to restock depleted reservoirs in northern England.
United Utilities, which manages the water supply in much of northern England, said demand had increased by an extra half a billion litres a day, which is 25 per cent more than usual.
Severn Trent Water says its reservoir storage levels have dipped. Levels stand at 71.4 per cent compared to 97.5 per cent back in April.
A spokesman said: “We’re comfortable with our reservoir levels, but as the hot weather continues, we’re asking our customers to be sensible.”
Dying trout rescued from river as water disappears
Fish have been rescued from another river in Shropshire as the heatwave takes effect.
The Environment Agency was called to the River Redlake in south Shropshire.
Parts of the river have dried up completely and other areas have been reduced to a trickle.
That has left fish floundering and in danger of dying.
Experts with nets caught more than 80 brown trout from the river and took them to deeper water.
Dave Throup from the Environment Agency said: “River Redlake is the latest river to dry out completely. We have rescued the fish and they are now swimming in safer waters.”
He said areas of the River Wye south of Shropshire are also struggling.
Heavy rain showers are expected this weekend as thunderstorms move across the region.
But while some areas will see torrential downpours, others may escape heavy rain.
