Yorkshire water situation: April 2024 summary
Updated 15 May 2024
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2024
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1. Summary
Monthly rainfall was classed as notably high in most catchments. River flows were well above average. The highest flow peaks of the month occurred in the first week in the Pennine catchments and in the last few days of April in the Derwent, Rye and Esk. Groundwater levels were higher than normal for April in all aquifers. Reservoir stocks also remained above average and soils were wet.
2. Rainfall
April was a wet month; Yorkshire’s catchments received between 144% and 199% of long term average (LTA) rainfall.
In the Pennine catchments rainfall was concentrated in the first half of the month. Rain gauges in the Dales catchments, the Calder and upper Don recorded between 75% and 90% of their April 2024 total by the end of day 15. The 16 to 26 April was a more settled period with a further wet episode on day 27.
In central and east Yorkshire rainfall was more even through the month. Rainfall was frequent in the Esk, Ouse, Rye and Derwent while a more settled period occurred in the Hull catchment during the second and third weeks.
The rainfall event from late on the 27 to the morning of 28 April was more significant in the south and east of the area than in the western Pennines. Totals of 20mm to 30mm were recorded in the Rye, Derwent, Esk and Hull catchments.
The Met Office Had-UK data set from 1871 to present shows that it continued to be a wet start to 2024 and was the third wettest January to April for Yorkshire as a whole.
3. Soil moisture deficit
Yorkshire’s soils started the month fully saturated and by the end of the month, all soils were still classified as wet with minimal change throughout the month.
4. River flows
In the Pennine catchments monthly mean flows were between 160% and 245% of the LTA. Flows were classified as above normal in the Don and Rother but exceptionally high on the responsive upper catchments of the Ure, Wharfe, Aire and Calder. Monthly mean flow in the Derwent was notably high at 169% of the LTA. In the east of the Area in the Chalk-fed West Beck monthly mean flows were slightly lower at 148% of the LTA.
The Pennine fed rivers started the month with daily mean flows generally in the above to notably high range, which was maintained until day 21 to 23 when flows reduced to the normal range. During the first 21 to 23 days, flows reached exceptionally high for short periods in response to rainfall events. In the Don and Rother catchments flows also reached exceptionally high on day 28 in response to rainfall.
River flows in the Derwent and Rye were also above normal to notably high for the first three weeks of April and, like the Don catchment, also reached exceptionally high on day 28 in response to rainfall.
River flows in the West Beck responded differently to other catchments in Yorkshire maintaining above normal flows for the entire month. There was a gradual decline in flows caused by reducing groundwater spring flow from the Chalk. On day 28 river flows increased marginally in response to rainfall.
5. Groundwater levels
5.1 Magnesian Limestone
The groundwater level within the Magnesian Limestone at Brick House Farm decreased but remained exceptionally high for the time of year.
5.2 Millstone Grit
The groundwater level increased within the Millstone Grit at Hill Top Farm and returned to exceptionally high for the time of 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 remained constant at both Great Ouseburn (exceptionally high) and Riccall Approach Farm (notably high).
5.4 Corallian Limestone
The groundwater level increased within the Corallian Limestone at Sproxton and was above normal for the time of year.
5.5 Chalk
The groundwater level decreased at both Wetwang (northern Yorkshire Wolds chalk) and Dalton Estate (central Yorkshire Wolds chalk). Wetwang remained within the above normal range and Dalton Estate remained within the notably high range.
6. Reservoir stocks
Minimal change of reservoir stocks occurred throughout the month. The rain that occurred within the month kept the reservoir stocks stable and close to capacity.
Author: Yorkshire Hydrology, 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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