River flow

The outlook for September is for river flows to be within the normal range for the majority of the UK, with normal to above normal flows in central southern England. Flows in north western England are likely to be normal to above normal over the next three months. In the northern Permo-Triassic sandstone aquifers, groundwater levels are likely to remain above normal to exceptionally high throughout September, whilst levels across the rest of the UK are likely to be normal to above normal for the next three months.

For many years one of the major unresolved Water Framework Directive issues relating to physical obstructions in UK rivers looks set to be resolved.

Summary

Summary

Normal river flows and groundwater levels are likely for the next one to three months across the UK. This is despite the generally dry August to October period which led to depressed October river flows across the north and west, and below normal groundwater levels in some areas. The outlook tends towards normal (with above normal flows and levels possible in some areas) due to the driving meteorological forecasts, which suggest the next three months are more likely.

Summary

The outlook for September is for river flows to be in the normal range across much of the UK, although the far south of England is likely to see above normal flows, mainly reflecting the influence of the exceptionally wet August in this area. Normal flows are the most likely outcome over the next three months. For groundwater, normal levels predominate in the southern Chalk, again partly reflecting the wet August, while below-normal levels persist in parts of north-east England. The three month outlook suggests mostly normal to below-normal groundwater levels.