Below average rainfall has been recorded during February and it has been a month of two halves. Most of the rain fell in the first two weeks of the month when rivers responded. Thereafter, river levels fell back, but remained above normal for the time of year. Groundwater levels continued to rise at most sites, albeit at a slower rate than seen in previous months.

Rainfall

The first half of the month was very different to the later part of February. Most of the month’s rainfall fell in the first 2 weeks. The wettest day of the month was the 10th when the highest daily rainfall total recorded was 35.8mm at Brede pumping station in Kent and South London Area. Just 5% of the monthly total fell in the whole of the last 2 weeks of the month. The South East Region has had the 2nd wettest 12 months ending in February since 2001. A number of areal units have recorded their wettest 12 months ending in February on record including Cotswolds West, Thame and Ock all in West Thames Area.

Soil Moisture Deficit, Recharge and Groundwater Levels

The dry weather throughout much of February has resulted in recharge below the monthly average at 91%. Soil moisture deficits have risen throughout the month with a brief fall in the middle of the month in response to the rainfall on the 10th. Groundwater levels have continued to rise in response to the wet winter although at a slower rate than in previous months. All key groundwater sites remain at above normal or higher, with just one exception at Jackaments in the Cotswolds where levels have fallen to normal for the time of year. At the end of the month there were a number of groundwater flood alerts in force across the Region, many of which were issued last month; for more details see the latest groundwater briefing notes: http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/homeandleisure/floods/137320.aspx

River Flows

River flows responded to the rainfall on the 10th and rose at all of the key sites, but then fell throughout the rest of the month. Monthly average flows remain normal or higher across the Region. In areas of Chalk or Oolites, the river flows have been maintained at higher levels due to the high groundwater levels that have remained despite the dry weather. The Coln at Bibury and the Itchen at Allbrook and Highbridge are both at their 3rd highest on their records for February. In addition, the Coln at Bibury and the Thames at Eynsham are at their highest on record for the winter so far, based on the 5 months ending in February.

Reservoir Storage/Water Resource Zone Stocks

Reservoir storage remained above average for the time of year in the South East.

Full report