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In the first nine months of 2013, rainfall for Britain
exceeded the 1971–2000 monthly
average only in May and the driest summer since 2003
contributed to significant rainfall
deficiencies, particularly over timespans of four and eight months,
by the end of September.
Estimated outflows from Britain were the third lowest since 1972
for the beginning of October and,
with soils notably dry , especially in many central and eastern
areas, no early recovery in
river flows and aquifer recharge rates was expected. However,
a decisive synoptic change
then allowed a sequence of active Atlantic frontal systems to cross the UK:
these had a
transforming effect through October. Steep runoff recoveries
occurred in most northern and
western catchments during the fourth week and wild weather
conditions on the 27/28th were
accompanied by very widespread flood alerts. In most regions,
the water resources outlook
is healthy but seasonal recoveries in groundwater levels are
still awaited in the less responsive aquifers.
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