Hydrological Summary for October 2020 published

October was blustery and remarkably wet; it was the fifth wettest October for the UK in a series from 1862. A UK‑wide average rainfall total of 32mm was recorded on the 3rd, a volume of water sufficient to more than fill Loch Ness, making it the wettest day on record for the UK (in a series from 1891). Correspondingly, October river flows ranged from normal to exceptionally high, although limited flooding occurred, likely due to the drier soils established in previous months. Soil Moisture Deficits (SMDs) fell in all regions and were eliminated in regions in the south and east of the UK, initiating groundwater recharge in many of the index boreholes. Overall, groundwater levels were high in the Permo-Triassic sandstones and normal or above in other aquifers. Reservoir stocks for England & Wales were marginally above average, notably so at Washburn, Bradford Supply and Clatworthy where they were around 30% above average. The onset of groundwater recharge and the status of reservoir stocks mean the water resources situation is healthy. However with soils now at or close to saturation, there is an enhanced risk of fluvial flooding heading into the winter.

Read the full Summary here.