Research and analysis

North East water situation: June 2024 summary

Updated 12 July 2024

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

June was a dry month. It was the first time since September 2023 that indicator sites have recorded below average rainfall. River flows have decreased at all indicator sites in June, with the majority of flows sat within the normal range. Groundwater levels have remained similar through June and generally fall within the normal or higher range. Reservoir stocks have decreased but remain healthy for the time of year.

2. Rainfall

Monthly rainfall totals were classed as below the long term average (LTA) across all catchments in the North East. The Tweed, Northumbria North Sea Tribs and Wear catchments recorded below normal rainfall while The Tyne, Tees, and Seaham Area catchments recorded normal rainfall. Monthly rainfall totals ranged from 48% of the LTA in the Tweed catchment to 77% of the LTA in the Tyne catchment. 

This is the first month to record below average rainfall in all catchments since September 2023. The majority of the month’s rainfall was recorded between 4 June and 17 June. The rest of the month was fairly dry with warmer temperatures observed in the second half of June.

Cumulative 12 month rainfall totals show that all catchments in the North East recorded exceptionally high totals. It was also the wettest 12 months ending in June on record since 1871 for the area as a whole.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Soils are classified as normal across much of the North East, with the exception of the western catchments which are classified as wet.

4. River flows

Monthly mean river flows have decreased this month at all indicator sites. Flows ranged from 64% of the LTA at Middleton in Teesdale on the River Tees to 107% of the LTA at Hartford Bridge on the River Blyth.  Analysis of the daily mean flows shows that flows reached notably high or above normal in the middle of the month for most catchments following the rain. Flows remained normal for the rest of the month, with the exception of Middleton in Teesdale which fell within the notably low category.

5. Groundwater levels   

Groundwater levels across all reporting boreholes have remained similar to May. The exception being West Hall Farm on the Wear Magnesian Limestone which has increased from notably high to exceptionally high. Groundwater levels at Aycliffe NRA2 on the Skerne Magnesian Limestone and Royal Observation on the Till Fell Sandstone also fall into 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

All North East reservoirs have seen a decrease in stocks this month with the exception of Cow Green which remains at 100%. Overall, reservoir stocks remain healthy for the time of year.

Reservoir or reservoir group	Percentage of current stocks	Percentage of previous month stocks
Kielder	90.6	95.1
North Tynedale group	79.9	86.8
Derwent	92.8	100
Durham group	82.9	95.4
Lune and Balder group	90.2	97.3
Cow Green	100	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.