There is no single definition for a drought, but one way of describing it is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water.
The Environment Agency defines three main types of drought, which can occur separately or together. They are:
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Agricultural drought: when there isn’t enough rainfall and moisture in soils to support crop production or farming practices.
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Environmental drought: when lack of rainfall has a negative impact on the environment and ecology.
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Water supply drought: when a lack of rainfall leads to concerns from water companies about supplies for their customers.