Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire water situation: June 2026 summary
Updated 14 July 2026
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2026
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During June 2026 Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire recorded 48mm of rainfall, 82% of the long term average (LTA). Despite normal levels of rainfall being recorded, a dry second half of the month meant river flows and groundwater levels have continued to drop, following a particularly dry spring. The soil moisture deficit (SMD) increased by 19mm compared to the end of May and was 127.2mm by 30 June. Reservoir stocks have now dipped below their target curves as demand continues to increase.
1. Rainfall
Across Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire (LNA), an average of 48mm of rain was recorded during June 2026, equivalent to 82% of the LTA. All 6 hydrological areas recorded rainfall totals normal for the time of year, ranging from 70% in the Louth Grimsby and Ancholme to 90% in the Upper Welland and Nene. The majority of this rainfall came within the first two weeks with just 7.2mm falling after 16 June.
Despite a wet start to the month, the lack of rainfall in the second half of June, combined with a dry April and May, has meant rainfall over the past 3 months is notably low across the area, 56% of the LTA across LNA. The last 3 months was the fifteenth driest April to June since records began in 1871, with just 85mm of rainfall recorded. All six hydrological areas recorded notably low rainfall, ranging from 51% of the LTA in the Lower Welland and Nene to 59% of the LTA in the Upper Welland and Nene.
The last 6 to 12 month periods have seen normal rainfall totals across LNA. From January to June, LNA received 103% of the LTA rainfall and all 6 hydrological areas experienced normal rainfall totals. While looking back over the past 12 months, 108% of LNA’s LTA rainfall was recorded and 4 of the 6 hydrological areas recorded normal rainfall. The Louth Grimsby and Ancholme and the Witham to Chapel Hill areas recorded above normal rainfall, 116% and 114% of the LTA, respectively. This data highlights the contrast in weather experienced over the previous 12 months, with a dry spring and summer balancing out a very wet winter.
2. Soil moisture deficit and recharge
Over the last month, the SMD across LNA increased by 19mm, from 108.2mm at the end of May to 127.2mm by 30 June. There is an east-west split across LNA with the 3 hydrological areas to the east having an SMD between 131mm and 150mm, while the 3 areas on the west had an SMD between 101mm and 130mm. Such a significant deficit means soils are very dry and all 6 hydrological areas have an SMD between 26mm and 50mm greater than their LTA, notably to exceptionally high for the time of year.
3. River flows
Monthly mean flows at seven of the eleven key indicator sites were normal for the time of year, while the remaining 4 sites recorded below normal flows. Flow ranged from 28% of the LTA at Langworth on the Barlings Eau to 89% at Louth on the Lud. A dry end to the month meant flows dropped after a wet first few weeks of June. Gauging issues at Rase Bishopbridge on the River Rase has meant no data is available at the site for June 2026.
4. Groundwater levels
Groundwater levels have remained healthy in spite of the dry weather over the last couple of months, however levels are now starting to return to normal. Key indicator sites in the chalk to the north of the area ended June with healthy groundwater levels. Barton and Burnham have above normal levels for the time of year, while Grainsby is classified as normal. Of the remaining sites, with data available this month, 3 recorded normal groundwater levels but Leasingham Exploratory was below normal and Grange de Lings was notably low.
5. Reservoir stocks
Reservoir stocks across LNA have continued to be depleted through June in response to the dry weather. Four of the 5 reservoirs are now below their target curve, while Pitsford is on the curve. Stock levels vary from 94.5% in Covenham to 82.4% in Pitsford reservoir. Despite the drop in stock levels, all 5 sites remain above Level 1 and drought permit trigger levels.
Author: Pan Hydrology Team, Hydrology-EAN-and-LNA@environment-agency.gov.uk
Contact Details: 03708 506 506
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.