Central Region
*The long term average (LTA) has been calculated statistically, using the long term data record for this hydrograph. The respective drought zones are used as operational triggers and have been derived using the LTA.
Rainfall in our Central region was above average in January at 110% of the Long Term Average (LTA). Over the last three months (November to January inclusive), our Central region has received below average rainfall (89% of the LTA) but above average effective precipitation (106% of the LTA), due to soils remaining wetter than average (low Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD), the above average rainfall in January 2025 and occasional snowfall events which can promote high recharge. SMD remains below average, meaning any forthcoming rainfall is likely to provide more groundwater recharge than average.
Groundwater levels started to increase in September and remain well above average for the time of year due to the above average rainfall during the last recharge period and early start to the recharge season and continue to increase following a wet January. Groundwater levels are likely to remain above average over the next six months if rainfall is greater than 60% of the LTA. As a result of the above average levels, groundwater is likely to continue providing support to chalk stream flows next spring/summer. Groundwater levels are currently in a higher position than the above average conditions experienced in 2000-01, 2013-14 and 2020-21 at the end of January.
Please refer to our Drought Plan for further information about droughts and how we manage them.