Submitted by Gayatri Suman on
Northerly airflows kept conditions cool although relatively dry in June, with frontal showery rain interspersed by occasional ridges of high pressure that heralded a brief warm spell from 25th – 27th (when temperatures exceeded 28 degrees in parts of the south-east). Total rainfall was below average in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, but above average in north-west Scotland, and average for Scotland as a whole. River flows were widely normal or above normal, as below-average flows in north-west Scotland recovered, and recessions were established or continued elsewhere. Groundwater levels remained above average at most sites, with new maximum June records reported at six sites. Levels receded at all locations as the seasonal recession continued. Reservoir stocks fell by 5% but remained close to average at the national scale. At some impoundments in the south-west of England the reductions drew down surpluses bringing stocks close to average (Clatworthy and Stithians), whilst small deficits (< 10%) developed at Northern Command Zone and Celyn & Brenig. With a return to wet conditions at the start of July, and an outlook for July to September of normal river flows, and normal or above normal groundwater levels, there are no immediate concerns for water resources during the summer months.
