Submitted by Steve Turner on
January was a decidedly wintery month across the UK, interspersed with strong winds and snowfalls over higher ground. Although there were four named storms, January was only moderately wetter than average for the UK as a whole, reflecting the focus on wind for naming storms. However, it was wetter than average in Northern Ireland and substantially below average rainfall was recorded in regions of eastern Scotland. River flows were mostly in the normal range or above for January and new monthly maxima were established in Northern Ireland. Soil moisture deficits (SMDs) were eliminated in south-east England and the seasonal recovery of groundwater levels was well established with few exceptions. Levels were generally in the normal range, although below normal levels persist in parts of the Chalk. Stocks in most reservoirs increased relative to average, some substantially. Month-end stocks at Bewl increased by over 20% (but remained well below average for the time of year), and although a winter refill drought permit was granted in early January, it has not yet been implemented. Despite above average rainfall for winter so far (December‑January) in the south-east of England, the delayed start to the recharge season from a below normal baseline means the likelihood of water resource pressures this summer has decreased, although in some areas above average rainfall is still required.
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