Channel Islands Enter Dry Spell After Weeks Without Rain

The Channel Islands have gone 20 days without meaningful rainfall, marking a sharp shift from the exceptionally wet start to the year.

According to Jersey Met, the last notable rain fell on 4 April, with just 0.2mm recorded. The prolonged dry spell means the islands are now classed as being in meteorological drought, typically defined as at least 15 consecutive days without measurable rain.

The current pattern mirrors last year, when a wet winter gave way to a dry spring and summer. Earlier this year, Jersey recorded its wettest February since records began in 1894, with rainfall more than double the seasonal average. Overall, it was the third wettest winter on record.

Despite the recent dry conditions, water supplies remain strong. Guernsey Water says its 14 reservoirs- largely former quarries -are currently full.

While no restrictions have been introduced, officials are urging residents and businesses to conserve water where possible. Suggested measures include installing water butts for gardens, taking shorter showers, and reusing household water, such as from washing up or cooking, to reduce unnecessary consumption.