The last 10 months were the driest July to April for southern England in records stretching back more than 100 years, figures reveal.

April was "exceptionally" dry with most of the UK seeing less than half the average rainfall, the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) said.

Some parts of southern England and eastern Scotland had less than a fifth of the normal rainfall for the month, it said.

For the UK overall, April was joint ninth driest in records dating back to 1910, recording 49% of average rainfall. Only the Highlands saw more rain than the 1981-2010 average.

The southern region of England registered its driest July-to-April period in the records, the CEH said.

As a result soils were dry, river flows were substantially below average for most of the UK, and most aquifers in south-east England were below normal, the CEH's monthly hydrological summary for the country showed.

It warned the summer would probably see dry soils and low river flows, which could cause issues for agriculture and put pressure on the environment in rivers, streams, ponds and wetlands.

But "extensive water supply restrictions are unlikely this year", the report said, although there could be localised pressure on resources, depending on how much rain there is in the coming months.

The report comes after the Environment Agency downplayed concerns of drought, saying it was monitoring the situation following the dry weather but stressing that the UK was not experiencing critically low supplies.

Affinity Water, based in south-east England, has issued advice to customers about conserving water ahead of the summer.

A spokesman for industry body Water UK said: "Following a dry winter, some rivers, groundwaters and reservoirs are lower than normal for the time of year.

"We always advise that everyone use water wisely - especially during a period of dry weather - and to follow the advice of their water company should water-saving measures be required.

"Water companies are working with the Environment Agency, businesses and farmers to minimise any potential impacts to people and the environment should the dry weather continue."

The National Farmers' Union (NFU) is advising members how to use water wisely to prevent crops being damaged by the dry weather.

Paul Hammett, NFU water resources specialist, said: "Farmers can and do act early to improve their prospects of coping with prolonged dry periods by using water-saving devices like effective use of irrigation equipment, science-based soil and water management, and irrigation best practice."