February was another notably wet month, with rain-bearing systems often stalling over the UK during the first half
of the month, enhancing rainfall totals across many regions. In the latter half, the UK experienced more typical
westerlies, maintaining the unsettled weather. Rainfall for the UK was above average, but with pronounced regional
contrasts. Much of England, Wales and Northern Ireland recorded above average totals, while Scotland, particularly
the north and west, was notably dry. River flows were predominantly in the normal range to above, with several
responsive catchments in eastern Scotland and south‑west England registering record February flows. In contrast,
some catchments in north-west Scotland registered notably low flows. Groundwater levels rose across much of
the UK, reflecting the wet conditions, with exceptionally high levels widespread across southern England, although
some Chalk and Jurassic Oolite boreholes began to show the first signs of recession. Reservoir stocks mostly
rose or remained stable through February, with substantial increases at some impoundments (e.g. Farmoor +19%,
Bewl +12%). Although positive anomalies were relatively small at the national scale, some individual reservoirs
(e.g. Grafham), remained 9% below average. The UK Hydrological Outlook indicates an increased likelihood of
above normal flows across southern and central England through the spring, with normal flows favoured elsewhere.
Consequently, the risk of localised flooding remains elevated in parts of southern England. Overall water resources are
generally in a healthy state as we move into spring; however, northern Scotland continues to show an increased risk of
water scarcity, following a notably dry winter.
