Emergency Summit on Spring Drought

The UK is experiencing unseasonable heat leading to drought conditions, with only 52% of usual rainfall in April. This has severely impacted grain farmers, though some, like Matthew Machen in Yorkshire, have benefited with early and abundant crops. The dry spell has led to unprecedented irrigation practices. The Environment Agency warns of potential water restrictions if the drought persists. Weather forecasts predict rain, but it may not be sufficient to alleviate the drought, especially in southern and eastern England. The public is advised to use water wisely.

What historical event does the recent warm spell remind forecasters of?

What is the Environment Agency's advice regarding water usage?