The Environment Agency Water situation report for November 2012 shows it was the 6th consecutive month of above average rainfall for the South East Region. Flows and groundwater levels responded to rainfall on already saturated catchments and forty flood warnings were issued.

Rainfall

November was the 6th consecutive month where above average rainfall was recorded across the South East Region. The Region received 125% of the long term average rainfall for November, with more than half of the total falling between the 22 nd and 26 th of the month. There was widespread rainfall on the 24th , with totals in excess of 25 mm falling on the Cotswolds and the Berkshire Downs. The highest daily total was at Bourton, in Cotswolds West with 33 mm falling on the 24th . It has been the 5th wettest November on record in the South East. The 8 month period from April has been the wettest on record for the South East as a whole, and ranks in the top three wettest for a number of individual catchments in the west and north east of the Region.

Soil Moisture Deficit, Recharge and Groundwater Levels

The soil moisture deficits were zero during November, resulting in the Region being particularly responsive to any rainfall. The high rainfall totals and the saturated conditions resulted in an estimate of at least twice the average recharge. The rising groundwater trends of the last few months have continued, with most of the key monitoring sites rising steeply in response the rainfall in September, October and November. The reporting sites are now at normal levels for the time of year or above. There are 7 sites with notably high levels in the Chalk to the west and south of the Region; and Jackaments in the Cotswolds Oolite has exceptionally high levels for November. Most of these sites have had the highest November levels since November 2000.

River Flows

Like last month, the rivers have responded to the saturated conditions and above average rainfall. The rivers draining clay catchments responded very quickly to the rainfall of the 24th -26th of the month. The flow at these sites has subsided almost as quickly after a period of little or no rain at the end of the month. Groundwater fed rivers responded quickly to the rainfall, but have remained relatively high as they are supported by the high groundwater levels. Three of the key monitoring sites have exceptionally high flows and 8 have notably high flows for November. These sites are to the west and south of the Region, matching the distribution of high groundwater levels. The Coln at Bibury has had the 2nd highest November flows (after November 2000). A number of Flood Alerts and Warnings were issued during the month, including 3 groundwater Flood Alerts. The Warnings were mainly for the River Thames.