The UK recorded "exceptional" rainfall in January, making it the second wettest January on record for Northern Ireland and the sixth wettest for Southern England. The extreme conditions led to widespread flooding and widespread travel disruption across many areas.
Northern Ireland saw 195.6 millimetres of rain last month – 70 percent more than the long-term average. Only January 1877 recorded more rainfall (197.1 millimetres) since comparable records began in 1836. Southern England received 136.8 millimetres, 74 percent above typical levels for the month.
England as a whole recorded 124.2 millimetres of rainfall in January, 50 percent more than average, making it the 15th wettest January on record. Three named storms – Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra – battered the country during the month.
January 26 brought record-breaking daily rainfall to multiple locations. Katesbridge in County Down recorded 100.8 millimetres, smashing its previous site record of 38.2 millimetres set in January 2005. Cardinham in Cornwall, Hurn in Dorset, Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon and Plymouth Mountbatten in Devon all exceeded their previous daily rainfall records for the month. Both Cornwall and County Down experienced their wettest January on record.
Atlantic weather pattern to blame
Dr Amy Doherty, Met Office science manager, explained the meteorological causes behind the exceptional conditions. She said: "January has been exceptionally wet because we've seen a very persistent Atlantic weather pattern. A strong jet stream has repeatedly steered low-pressure systems towards the UK, bringing frequent spells of rain and wind. With little opportunity for drier conditions in between, the ground has become saturated, so even moderate rainfall has had a greater impact. This succession of Atlantic systems is the main reason rainfall totals this month are well above average for many areas."
The saturated ground meant even moderate rainfall had a greater impact than usual, compounding the flooding issues across affected regions.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
