Research and analysis

Yorkshire water situation: October 2024 summary

Updated 13 November 2024

Applies to England

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

1. Summary

A month of average rainfall, becoming dry and settled in the final week. Most river flows were in the normal or above normal range. Soils remained saturated in the uplands and became wetter elsewhere. Groundwater levels were normal or higher for the time of year. Reservoir stocks increased to above the long term average (LTA) for October.

2. Rainfall

The rainfall for October was within normal range, Yorkshire’s catchments received between 82% and 110% of the LTA based on the Met Office Had-UK Grid data set. The Don catchment received the most rainfall relative to normal conditions, representing 110% of the LTA. Frequent spells of rain occurred throughout the first 3 weeks and conditions were more settled during the final week. A total of 3 short wet periods occurred on day 8, 16 and 27. On day 8, the heaviest rain occurred in the Don catchment and on day 16 and 27 in the upper reaches of the Aire and Ure, but none of these exceeded 55% of the monthly LTA. Additionally in the east of the Area, the Rye, Derwent and Hull were wet on the first day of the month.    

3. Soil moisture deficit

There was a notable change in soil moisture following on from September, with most catchments becoming gradually wetter during October. At the start of October, the soils in central and eastern catchments were within normal range and only those in the lower catchments of the Don, Aire and Ouse were classified as dry. By the second week soils in central Yorkshire were classed as wet and the rain that fell ensured these remained wet for the remainder of the month. At month end, many of the soils across Yorkshire were classified as wet, with conditions close to saturation in the western Pennines, North York Moors and upper Don. Only soils in the lower Calder, lower Aire, lower Don, Eastern Hull and Holderness were in the normal range.

4. River flows

Monthly mean flows were between 80% and 195% of the LTA. Most catchments were reporting within normal range for October. The Esk, Derwent, Swale, Rother and West Beck were classified as above normal. Monthly mean flow in the Don was notably high due to peak flows at the start of the month generated by heavy rain that fell on 30 September.

At the start of the month flows across Yorkshire were in an elevated state with all reported rivers classified as above normal and as exceptionally high in the Nidd, Rother, Esk and Rye. Widespread rain events were reflected in flows peaking to exceptionally high on days 9 and 10, particularly in central and eastern parts  of Yorkshire. Rivers in the Pennine catchments peaked on day 16 and 17.

Most of the Pennine rivers receded into the normal flow range for the time of year between rainfall episodes. In contrast, daily mean flows in the Don and Rother and the Derwent remained above normal throughout the first three weeks. Later in the month, flows receded across Yorkshire. By week 4, on day 24, all rivers apart from West Beck in the Hull catchment had returned within normal state and remained stable until month end.

Baseflow in the West Beck at Wansford Snakeholm increased throughout the month, mirroring the rise in the northern Chalk groundwater level. Daily mean flows were above normal for most of the month.

5. Groundwater levels   

5.1 Magnesian Limestone

The groundwater level within the Magnesian Limestone at Brick House Farm remains the same at exceptionally high for the time of year.

5.2 Millstone Grit

The groundwater level has increased within the Millstone Grit at Hill Top Farm and has become normal for the time year. It should be noted that this observation borehole is used for water abstraction by means of a pump. Therefore, the groundwater level recorded here may be subject to the effects of this.

5.3 Sherwood Sandstone

The groundwater level in the Sherwood Sandstone has different trend in October. Great Ouseburn remains at exceptionally high for the time of year with a slight decrease. While Riccall Approach Farm remaining at normal for the time of year with a slight increase.

5.4 Corallian Limestone

The groundwater level increased slightly within the Corallian Limestone at Sproxton and is now at normal for the time of year.

5.5 Chalk

The groundwater level increased to above normal at Wetwang (northern Yorkshire Wolds chalk). While Dalton Estate (central Yorkshire Wolds chalk) decreased and remained normal for the time of year.

6. Reservoir stocks

Reservoir stocks increased throughout the first 3 weeks of October with a slight decrease in the final week. Total reservoir stocks increased by about 13% of total capacity during the month, with the largest weekly increase occurring between 2 and 9 October. At month-end the overall stocks were 5.5% above the LTA.

7. Environmental Impact

During October up to 6 abstractors were restricted by Hands-off Flows. Affected catchments were in central and East Yorkshire.

Author: Environment Agency, 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.  

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