Submitted by Amit Kumar on
December was characterised by unsettled weather, with a succession of weather fronts delivering wind, rain, and snow. Notably, storm ‘Darragh’, the fourth named storm of the 2024/2025 season contributed to turbulent conditions. Rainfall totals for the month were above average for the UK, however, this concealed significant regional variability. River flows were normal or above normal, but exceptions were evident in south-west England and eastern Northern Ireland where some catchments recorded below normal flows. Soil moisture continued to increase and was normal or above normal, and groundwater levels in major aquifers were also predominantly normal or above normal for the time of year. However, in Northern Ireland, the Midland Valley area of Scotland, and South Wales, groundwater levels ranged from below normal to exceptionally low, reflecting the drier-than-usual conditions in these areas. Reservoir stocks saw a slight increase relative to average, and remained above average for the time of year, with only minor deficits persisting at isolated impoundments and for Wales as a whole. The combination of saturated soils in many regions, high groundwater levels and a three-month Outlook that favours normal to above normal river flows in the north and west, means flood risk will remain elevated.
