UK Hydrological Bulletin: August - October 2013

In the first nine months of 2013, rainfall for Britain exceeded the 1971–2000 monthly average only in May and the driest summer since 2003 contributed to significant rainfall deficiencies, particularly over timespans of four and eight months, by the end of September. Estimated outflows from Britain were the third lowest since 1972 for the beginning of October and, with soils notably dry, especially in many central and eastern areas, no early recovery in river flows and aquifer recharge rates was expected. However, a decisive synoptic change then allowed a sequence of active Atlantic frontal systems to cross the UK: these had a transforming effect through October. Steep runoff recoveries occurred in most northern and western catchments during the fourth week and wild weather conditions on the 27/28th were accompanied by very widespread flood alerts. In most regions, the water resources outlook is healthy but seasonal recoveries in groundwater levels are still awaited in the less responsive aquifers.