Research and analysis

Groundwater situation: Hampshire 13 February 2026

Updated 13 February 2026

Current situation

A lot of rain has fallen since the start of 2026. In January 2026, rain gauges in Hampshire recorded between 150% and 220% of the monthly long term average. All sites in Hampshire have already recorded more rain during February than the average for the whole of the month. Some sites in Hampshire have already recorded 200% of the long term average for the whole of February.

During January and February, groundwater levels across Hampshire have risen quickly and significantly, in response to the very wet weather. In almost all communities, groundwater levels are now well above average for the time of year. The exception being the far north of Hampshire, near Basingstoke. At almost all groundwater boreholes, groundwater levels are continuing to rise. However, in a couple of locations, levels have started to stabilise.

Groundwater flooding impacts are occurring in many susceptible communities across Hampshire.

Groundwater is thought to be affecting cellars of properties in Upton, Nether Wallop, Pitton, Kings Somborne, Little Somborne, Hursley, Preston Candover, Old Alresford, Cheriton, Twyford, Hensting, Hambledon, Finchdean, Dean Lane End and Rowlands Castle.

Road, land and garden flooding is expected to be ongoing in many communities. Impacts to the sewerage system and septic tanks are expected across Hampshire.

Groundwater may soon affect cellars in Deane, villages along the Bourne Valley, villages surrounding Andover, West Tytherley, and Bramdean, and Bishops Sutton.

Graph showing changes in groundwater levels in Clanville Gate Borehole in North Hampshire from December 2023 to February 2026. The graph shows that groundwater levels are currently rising.

Graph showing changes in groundwater levels in Clanville Gate Borehole in North Hampshire from December 2023 to February 2026. The graph shows that groundwater levels are currently rising.

Graph showing changes in groundwater levels in Whitedale Farm Borehole in East Hampshire from December 2023 to February 2026. The graph shows that groundwater levels are currently rising.

Graph showing changes in groundwater levels in Whitedale Farm Borehole in East Hampshire from December 2023 to February 2026. The graph shows that groundwater levels are currently rising.

Weather forecast

Only small amounts of rain are forecast on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February 2026. However, on Sunday 15 February 2026 another widespread area of rain is predicted. There remains uncertainty in locations and amounts, but currently the forecast suggests 10mm to 20mm of rain could occur on Sunday which is a relatively small amount. Only isolated showers are forecast Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 February 2026.

More unsettled weather is predicted during the third week of February 2026, with showers or longer periods of rain possible. There is uncertainty in geographic location, the wettest communities could be in the south west of England. Longer term weather forecasting is very difficult, but the current suggestion is that mild and wet conditions will continue throughout the second half of February 2026, in the south of England. Unsettled weather could possibly continue through the first half of March 2026 too.

Forecast risk of flooding

Groundwater is expected to rise in most communities throughout February 2026, and in some communities through March 2026 too.

Groundwater flood impacts are probable in most communities that have previously experienced groundwater flooding.

Flooding impacts will include winterbourne streams flowing, water appearing in fields, gardens and roads, as well as water affecting cellars in a small number of properties.

Hopefully, as we move closer to spring, rain will occur less often and in smaller volumes. From March, groundwater risk tends to reduce. However, the exact groundwater response will depend on the amount, intensity and distribution of any rainfall that occurs. Given the very wet January and February we have had, groundwater impacts are probable through to April.

It is very difficult to accurately predict the weather weeks or months ahead, and the forecast might change.

If only a small amount of rain occurs in Hampshire during the second half of February, then groundwater flood impacts should remain minor, and may begin to ease in some communities in south, west and east Hampshire by mid March 2026.

If persistent rain continues, or there is a significant rainfall event in the next few weeks, flood impacts could increase and continue for longer, and may extend to all groundwater risk communities.

Next update

We will update this groundwater situation document by Friday 13 March 2026, or sooner if the risk of flooding significantly increases.

When in force, groundwater flood alerts are updated with information more frequently.

What we are doing

We continue to monitor groundwater levels and their response to rainfall.

Throughout autumn and winter, we will update this groundwater situation and our groundwater briefing notes.

We will issue and update flood alerts when there is risk of flooding affecting property.

We liaise with the local authority and other responding partners to ensure they are aware of the situation.

Our operational staff will remove blockages from main rivers, to ensure they flow freely.

Actions and advice

Think and prepare now for what you’ll do if flooding occurs where you live, don’t wait until flooding happens.

Call Floodline on 0345 988 118 or visit check for flooding to find out if you can register to receive free flood alerts for flooding from groundwater.

Look for data in your area:

• groundwater data
• river, sea, groundwater and rainfall levels

There is practical advice on what to do before, during and after groundwater flooding, and further guidance about groundwater flooding, how it might affect you and what to do.

Prepare a personal flood plan or community flood plan to help you and your community decide what practical actions to take before and during a flood, which will help reduce the damage flooding could cause.

Check pumps and any other flood protection equipment you have. Ensure valuables are moved from basements and other low parts of properties.

Where safe to do so, communities may wish to check and ensure there are no blockages in local watercourses and ditches.

Further information

You can view:

• daily groundwater levels compared to average and maximum, with indicative impact thresholds
• sub daily groundwater levels on Gaugemap
• the latest flood alert information
• water situation reports

More detailed groundwater briefing notes are emailed as part of the flood alert service. See contacts section below to register your email address.

Contacts

For more information on the flood alert service and to find out what messages you are registered to receive, call Floodline on 0345 988 118.

Alternatively, you can contact the following for additional information:

• Environment Agency Customers and Engagement: ssdenquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk
• Environment Agency Incident Reporting Hotline: 0800 807060
• Environment Agency National Customer Contact Centre: 03708 506 506