'First meaningful rain for a long time' forecast as Severn Trent holds off ban

Birmingham could finally see some meaningful rain after weeks of heatwaves and dry weather, the Met Office says, as Severn Trent confirmed there is still no hosepipe ban for its customers.

The Met Office said some parts of the country would get the "first meaningful rain for a long time" in the coming days, although forecasters also warned that heavy rain falling on drought-hardened ground could cause flooding in places.

Bans elsewhere, but not here

A new hosepipe ban came into force for all of Wessex Water's customers this week, adding to restrictions already brought in by other water companies. Severn Trent, which supplies Birmingham, has not introduced one.

"We've not had one in our area since 1995, and of course we'd like that to continue. That's why it's important that we all work together to protect our water supplies," a Severn Trent spokesman said.

What a ban would mean

A hosepipe ban, officially a Temporary Use Ban, stops households using a hosepipe to water gardens, fill paddling pools or hot tubs, or clean cars, buildings and patios. People who ignore one can be fined up to £1,000.