Research and analysis

North East water situation: July 2024 summary

Updated 14 August 2024

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

1. Summary

The first half of July was very wet and the second half was dry with higher temperatures. Overall monthly rainfall totals were above average for the month. Flows were elevated for most of the month following the rain and fell within the normal or higher ranges. Groundwater levels remained the same as last month, generally falling into the normal or high ranges. Soil moisture deficit (SMD) data has recorded the first dry tile since September 2023. Reservoir stocks have decreased but remain healthy for the time of year

2. Rainfall

Monthly rainfall totals were classed as above the long term average (LTA) across all catchments in the North East area. The Tweed, Tyne and Seaham Area catchments recorded above normal rainfall while Northumbria North Sea Tribs, Wear and Tees catchments recorded normal. Monthly rainfall totals ranged from 141% of the LTA in both the Northumbria and North Sea Tribs and Tees catchments to 175% of the LTA in the Seaham Area catchment.

There was a very wet first half followed by very little rain from the 16 July. Warmer temperatures were observed in the second half of July.  

Cumulative 12 month rainfall totals show that all catchments in the North East area recorded exceptionally high totals.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Soils are classified as wet in the west and south-west, dry around the coast and in the lower Tyne catchment and normal for the rest of the North East area. This is the first time any North East area SMD tiles have been classified as dry since September 2023.

4. River flows

Monthly mean river flows have increased this month at almost all indicator sites. The exceptions are Rothbury and Rutherford Bridge which remain in the normal category. All monthly mean flows are classed as normal or above. Flows ranged from 92% of the LTA at Middleton in Teesdale on the River Tees to 225% of the LTA at Hartford Bridge on the River Blyth.

Analysis of daily mean flows shows that flows reached notably high or higher in the middle of the month for most indicator sites following the prolonged rainfall. Flows decreased but remained between normal and notably high for the rest of the month, with the exception of Middleton in Teesdale which fell within the exceptionally low category.

5. Groundwater levels        

Groundwater levels across all reporting boreholes have remained the same as June. West Hall Farm on the Wear Magnesian Limestone, Aycliffe NRA2 on the Skerne Magnesian Limestone and Royal Observation on the Till Fell Sandstone remain in the exceptionally high range. Townlaw on the Fell sandstone remains at below normal levels. Red Lion on the Magnesian Limestone remains normal.

6. Reservoir stocks

Most reservoir stocks have seen a decrease this month, with the exception of the Durham group which have slightly increased. Overall, reservoir stocks remain healthy for the time of year.

Reservoir or reservoir group	Percentage of current stocks	Percentage of previous month stocks
Kielder	85.8	90.6
North Tynedale group	77.5	79.9
Derwent	89.9	92.8
Durham group	83.1	82.9
Lune and Balder group	89.8	90.2
Cow Green	98.2	100

Author: GWHCL North East, hydrology.northeast@environment-agency.gov.uk

All data are provisional and may be subject to revision. The views expressed in this document are not necessarily those of the Environment Agency. Its officers, servants or agents accept no liability for any loss or damage arising from the interpretation or use of the information, or reliance upon views contained in this report.