By Fatma Younis
England has experienced its wettest week in two years, but the heavy rainfall has not been enough to lift most of the country out of drought, the Environment Agency said.
Record rainfall but reservoirs remain low
Provisional Met Office data shows the UK received above-average rainfall in October, with England recording 111% of its long-term monthly average. Storms Austen and Boelo brought 38mm to 87mm of rain across regions, making it the wettest week since October 2024. Despite this, 11 reservoirs are still classified as "exceptionally low," with Wimbleball and Ardingly reservoirs below 20% capacity.
Soil conditions limit absorption
Early autumn rain tends to be soaked up by dry soil or runs off hardened ground, meaning it has not significantly recharged deeper groundwater stores. The Environment Agency said only once the soil is fully wet does water begin to replenish aquifers properly.
No significant rain forecast
High pressure is expected to bring settled weather through early November, with no significant rain forecast for at least a week. The National Drought Group warned that sustained above-average rainfall over seven months is needed to return conditions to normal.
Drought could persist into next year
Philip Duffy, chief executive of the Environment Agency, said England needs at least 20% more rainfall than average over the next six months to exit drought by spring. Areas most at risk include Devon, Cornwall, and East Anglia.
