Summary for March
March rainfall totals were slightly above the long term average (LTA) across England as a whole, at 105%. However, at a hydrological area scale, rainfall totals varied widely, ranging from exceptionally high in parts of Cumbria (at almost twice the LTA) to below normal in parts of south-east England (at close to a third of the LTA).
Soils remained close to saturation across much of England, although soil moisture deficits were starting to build in the east and south-east of England at the end of March.
Monthly mean river flows for March decreased at just over half of indicator sites across England compared with February, although the majority of sites were classed as normal or higher for the time of year.
Groundwater levels increased at nearly two-thirds of indicator sites during March and end of month levels were normal or higher at just over half of sites.
Reservoir stocks increased or remained unchanged at all but 4 of the reported reservoirs or reservoir groups, with end of month stocks normal or higher for the time of year at nearly three-quarters of sites. Overall reservoir storage for England increased to 95% of total capacity.
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