Research and analysis

Groundwater situation: Hampshire 23 January 2026

Updated 23 January 2026

Current situation

In spring and summer 2025, less than average rain was recorded. Autumn 2025 was wetter than average, with particularly wet periods during the first half of September and the second half of October. December 2025 was wetter than average. In January 2026, more than a month’s rainfall has been recorded in the first 3 weeks.

With only small amounts of rain through spring and summer, groundwater levels fell and remained low through autumn. Following December’s persistent rain, groundwater rose, but stabilised during the cold end of the year. January’s rain caused groundwater to rise again. At most monitoring boreholes in Hampshire, groundwater is now at an average level for the time of year. In a few locations, including at Preston Candover, Meonstoke and Hambledon, groundwater levels are slightly above average for the time of year.

Groundwater flood impacts are not thought to be occurring.

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

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

Weather forecast

Periods of rain are forecast over the week to 1 February 2026. There remains uncertainty in locations and amounts.

More unsettled weather is predicted at the beginning of February but there is uncertainty in geographic location. The unsettled weather might predominantly affect the west of England. Longer term weather forecasting is very difficult.

Forecast risk of flooding

If persistent and widespread rainfall occurs at the end of January, groundwater levels are expected to continue rising into February. If this occurs, then it is possible that minor groundwater flooding impacts could be observed in a few communities in East Hampshire such as Hambledon, Finchdean and Meonstoke. Flooding impacts could include winterbourne streams flowing, water appearing in fields, gardens and roads, as well as water affecting cellars of isolated properties.

In all other communities in Hampshire, heavy and persistent rain to continue through much of February for groundwater flooding impacts to occur.

In most years, most boreholes experience groundwater rise until March.

It is very difficult to accurately predict the weather weeks or months ahead, and the forecast might change. The exact groundwater response will depend on the amount, intensity and distribution of any rainfall that occurs.

If only a small amount of rain occurs at the end of January, and a period of cold weather occurs in February, then groundwater flood impacts are less likely to occur during this winter season.

Next update

We will update this groundwater situation document by Friday 13 February 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