UK harvest on course for near record low after drought hits crops -...

One of the worst harvests on record is expected after staple crops were hit by drought and hot weather this year.

Analysis from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU)shows it could be the fifth worst British harvest since 1984, when detailed records began.

The extremely dry spring affected the growth of crops such as wheat and oats, which farmers are now harvesting.

And the remnants of US 'monster' hurricane Erin, currently barrelling across the Atlantic, may only make matters worse.

The low crop yield follows the third worst harvest on record last year, which was due to extreme rainfall worsened by climate change.

Tom Lancaster, ECIU farming analyst, said: 'This is what farming in a changing climate looks like, with huge implications for our farmers, food production and UK food security.

'Farmers need more and better support to adapt to these extremes. There is now a real urgency to ensure that support to invest in healthier soils and other green farming measures that can boost resilience is once again made available.'

Due to the droughts this year, farmers have also been struggling to grow field vegetables, such as broccoli and cauliflower, and feed cattle and sheep.

Now the Met Office has said the tail end of ex-hurricane Erin should bring an 'increased likelihood of low pressure, thundery showers, spells of rain and increased wind as well'.

It said: 'Whether or not it hits us as an ex-hurricane, it's likely to bring us a big change to more unsettled weather for next week.'

It also warned that Erin will also bring 'very large waves' to the UK, with those visiting the western coasts of Scotland and Ireland told to exercise caution.

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