Research and analysis

Solent and South Downs water situation report: November 2025 summary

Updated 11 December 2025

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

1. Summary

Solent and South Downs (SSD) had close to average rainfall in November, receiving 87% (93mm) of the long term average (LTA) of 106.6mm. Monthly mean river flows for November ranged from below normal to normal across SSD. End of month groundwater levels for November ranged from notably low to above normal. Soils across SSD ended the month wetter than the LTA for November.

End of month reservoir stocks were below average at Ardingly Reservoir (Ouse) and at Arlington Reservoir (Cuckmere).

2. Rainfall

SSD had close to average rainfall in November, receiving 87% (93mm) of LTA (106.6mm). The Test Chalk areal unit received the highest monthly rainfall total with 112% (113mm) of LTA (100.9mm) during November. The Sussex Coast areal unit received the lowest rainfall total with 75% (71mm) of LTA (95.3mm).

The highest daily rainfall totals were recorded on 22 November. 30.4mm was recorded at Chilgrove (West Sussex Chalk), and 30mm at Folkington (Cuckmere). This was a widespread rainfall event with daily totals in excess of 20mm recorded across the whole area from the Test Chalk to the Pevensey Levels. There were no completely dry days recorded during November.

3. Soil moisture deficit and recharge

Soils across SSD ended the month wetter than the LTA for November.

4. River flows

Monthly mean river flows for November ranged from below normal to normal across SSD.

Flows were below normal on the:

• River Meon at Mislingford

Flows were normal on the:

• River Test at Broadlands
• River Test at Chilbolton
• River Itchen at Allbrook and Highbridge
• River Lymington at Brockenhurst
• River Medina at Blackwater
• River Rother at Iping Mill
• River Ouse at Goldbridge
• River Cuckmere at Cowbeech
• River Arun at Alfoldean
• River Wallington at North Fareham
• River Adur at Sakeham

5. Groundwater levels   

End of month groundwater levels for November ranged from notably low to above normal across SSD.

Groundwater levels were notably low at:

• Chilgrove (West Sussex Chalk)

• Beeding Hill (West Sussex Chalk)

Groundwater levels were below normal at:

• Catherington (East Hampshire Chalk)

Groundwater levels were normal at:

• Clanville Gate (Test Chalk)
• Lopcombe Corner (Test Chalk)
• West Meon (East Hampshire Chalk)

• Harting Common (Western Rother Greensand)

• Houndean Bottom (East Sussex Chalk)

• Carisbrooke Castle (Isle of Wight)

• Cornish Farm (East Sussex Chalk)

• Youngwoods Copse (Isle of Wight)

Groundwater levels were above normal at:

• Preston Candover (East Hampshire Chalk)

The end of month groundwater level at Beeding Hill (East Sussex Chalk) was the fourth lowest for November in a record going back to 1979.

6. Reservoir stocks

End of month reservoir stocks were below average for both Ardingly and Arlington Reservoirs. Ardingly Reservoir (Ouse) was at 41.5% of total capacity (LTA 77%) and Arlington Reservoir (Cuckmere) was at 64.7% of total capacity (LTA 72.4%).

7. Environmental impact 

7.1 Astraction licence restriction

At the start of November there were 12 licence restrictions in force. By the end of the month 10 licence restrictions were in place. These included:

• one licence on the Ouse
• two licences on the River Meon
• one licence on the River Hamble
• one licence on the Sowley Stream
• one licence on the River Ems
• one licence on the Western Rother
• four licences on the Test
• one licence on the Itchen

7.2 Flood Alerts and Warnings in Force

There was 1 Fluvial Flood Alert issued in November for the Lower Itchen.

There were no Flood Warnings issued in November.

Author: HydrologySSD@Environment-agency.gov.uk

Contact Details: 03708 506506

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.