England has officially endured its wettest winter in a decade, according to provisional figures released by the Met Office. The data, covering the period up to 25 February 2026, shows a total rainfall of 326.6mm across the country, marking a significant 35 per cent increase above the long-term average for England.
Historical Context and Rankings
This winter's rainfall total makes it the wettest since 2016, highlighting a notable shift in seasonal weather patterns. However, despite the high precipitation levels, it does not rank among the top 10 wettest winters on record for England. The record for the wettest winter remains held by 2014, underscoring that while recent conditions have been extreme, they are not unprecedented in historical terms.
Regional Variations and North-South Divide
A striking feature of this winter was the pronounced north-south divide observed across the UK. Southern England recorded its seventh wettest winter since records began in 1836, with persistent rain and storm activity dominating the region. In contrast, Scotland experienced a particularly dry season overall, illustrating the variability in weather impacts across different parts of the country.
Weather Patterns and Characteristics
The winter was characterised by a near-continuous succession of Atlantic weather systems, which brought persistent rainfall and a series of successive storms to much of England. These systems contributed to the overall high rainfall totals and led to widespread disruptions, including flooding and travel delays. Interestingly, amidst the wet conditions, the UK also recently recorded its warmest day of the year, adding a layer of complexity to the seasonal weather narrative.
This combination of factors—increased rainfall, regional disparities, and storm activity—highlights the ongoing challenges and variability in UK weather, with implications for infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety. The Met Office's findings serve as a crucial reminder of the need for adaptive strategies in the face of changing climate patterns.
