Yorkshire is now in drought after one of the driest springs on record, the Environment Agency (EA) has said.
At the end of April, parts of "God's Own Country" had seen just three inches of rainfall since the start of February - the lowest level since 1938.
While in late May, rain fell in Sheffield for the first time in 27 days.
Yorkshire Water had already launched drought plans after what bosses described as "the driest February, March and April in Yorkshire for almost 90 years".
And now, the EA has confirmed one is underway, upgrading the county's status from "prolonged dry weather".
Haweswater reservoir in Cumbria, pictured in late May when the North West was given drought status
PA
The Agency's deputy director of water Richard Thompson had said just weeks ago: "The last two years were some of the wettest on record for England but drier conditions at the start of this year mean a drought is a possibility and we need to be prepared.
"It's heartening to see more people looking to reduce their water use and we expect water companies to do more to cut leakage and roll out smart meters."
And in both the North East and North West, reservoir levels are either notably low or exceptionally low, with both regions enduring their driest start to the year since 1929.
The North West had seen its own drought declared at the end of last month - while both the East and West Midlands are currently experiencing "prolonged dry weather".
Claire Barrow, the Yorkshire environment, planning and engagement manager at the Environment Agency, said: "Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May.
READ MORE ON WATER SHORTAGES:
'I'm doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account,' Water Minister Emma Hardy said
HOUSE OF COMMONS
"While we have had some rain at the start of June, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry weather. We are working with Yorkshire Water to make sure they enact their drought plans.
"We also encourage people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts as we enter the summer period and note the small steps we can all take to save water."
Water Minister Emma Hardy said: "I am receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency.
"I'm doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region."
Yorkshire Water has warned that water restrictions are 'a possibility' this summer
PA
Yorkshire Water has warned that water restrictions are "a possibility" this summer unless the county sees "significant rainfall" in the months to come.
Dave Kaye, director of water at the utility, said: "We've seen water demand decrease in recent weeks thanks to the welcome rainfall and the efforts of our customers to save water.
"We had one of the driest springs on record, which has impacted our reservoir levels, meaning they are much lower than normal for this time of year.
"Without significant rainfall in the coming months, temporary usage restrictions are a possibility."
Most Read
