Provisional Met Office statistics show that Northern Ireland experienced its wettest January in 149 years – and second wettest on record – this year. Southern England also recorded its sixth wettest January since the series began in 1836, while the UK overall saw above-average rainfall, slightly below-average temperatures, and sunshine levels close to average for the month.
Rain fell frequently throughout January as a series of Atlantic low-pressure systems brought repeated rounds of wet and windy weather. This came off the back of above-average rainfall in both November and December, meaning the ground was already sensitive to rainfall.
Storms Goretti, Ingrid and Chandra each contributed to a month dominated by saturated ground, flooding and unsettled conditions. Some communities continue recovery operations as February begins, with warnings for rainfall and snow in the current forecast and another unsettled week ahead.
Met Office science manager Dr Amy Doherty said: “January has been exceptionally wet because we’ve seen a very persistent Atlantic weather pattern. A strong jet stream has repeatedly steered low-pressure systems towards the UK, bringing frequent spells of rain and wind. With little opportunity for drier conditions in between, the ground has become saturated, so even moderate rainfall has had a greater impact. This succession of Atlantic systems is the main reason rainfall totals this month are well above average for many areas.”
Overall, the UK recorded 17% more rainfall than the long-term meteorological average for January. Northern Ireland recorded 70% more than its January average, making it the second wettest January since the series began in 1836 and the wettest in 149 years, surpassed only by January 1877. Overall temperatures were below average, while the amount of sunlight seen across the country was in line with seasonal norms.
