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Autumn water situation report 2024

This report reviews the conditions over the past three months (September, October, November) and summarises how the weather conditions over autumn have impacted water resources across Scotland.

Headlines

Scotland has seen drier than normal conditions this autumn which has resulted in low river levels. Winter will now be crucial to replenish water resources. 

Summary

Rainfall was below the long-term autumn average across most of Scotland. Based on Met Office rainfall data it was the 5th driest autumn in 100 years. Despite Storm Bert, November was particularly dry. Areas on the river Dee, Aberdeenshire, only recorded around 30% of average rainfall. The Firth of Tay region saw around half of average rainfall for autumn which follows on from a drier summer. 

The lower rainfall resulted in below average river flows across the country. It is rare for river flows to be very low at this time of year. The river Dee had the 2nd longest period for November at very low flow in a 50-year record.  

Water storage in both lochs and groundwater are generally normal for this time of year, however, the dry autumn has resulted in some locations being low or very low. Winter will be crucial to replenish these stores.

SEPA’s next water situation report will be at the end of winter to review the risk of water scarcity into spring next year.

Forecast

The rainfall outlook for the December-February period suggests that across the UK there is an increased chance of wetter than normal conditions. The chance of a mild season is higher than normal, with a reduced chance of a cool season. 

© Crown copyright [2024], Met Office

Advice for water users

Everyone should plan to increase their resilience to the impacts of prolonged dry conditions. By taking the right steps now, it could help reduce the impact of water scarcity in the future.  Advice for abstractors and irrigators provides more information.