This month of May 2021 has been unusually wet, while April has been exceptionally dry. Last year (2020) saw the wettest ever October, and one of the driest ever for May. A predicted feature of climate change is more extremes of both dry and wet weather, and that is just what we are experiencing now. Flooding, severe storms and droughts are becoming more common.
If you are a gardener like me, you have probably noticed some months which need lots of watering cans, while other months the soil is waterlogged! It is something that we will need to get used to, as the impacts of climate change continue to increase. Over the past 12 months, we have seen flooding in Watford several times: in November at Lower High Street, and in January in Water Lane. Flooding events are only going to become more frequent. Better flood defences can help, but we also need to take action against climate change. That means avoiding fossil fuels, and generally living a sustainable lifestyle.
I took these photos of the flooding in February 2021.
The Watford Observer reported the recent flooding events at these links.
Parts of Water Lane remain flooded and closed. 2nd February 2021
Watford flooding: Water Lane floods after heavy rain. 31st January 2021
Flooding across Watford as Environment Agency issues warning. 30th January 2021
Climate change ‘real reason’ for flooding in Watford. 25th November 2020