Storms Austen and Boelo bring England its wettest week in two years, yet parts of the south STILL face drought

Residential streets submerged during Storm Boelo on 26 October, as the two storms together pushed England to 11% above its long-term average rainfall for the month despite severe drought persisting across parts of the…

England's rainfall pattern, with the South West recording the heaviest downpour at 87mm across the seven days to 27 October, even as severe drought persists across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset…

England recorded a weekly rainfall average of 55mm in the seven days to October 27, which the Environment Agency confirmed as the wettest such period since Storm Ashley in October 2024. The south-west saw totals reach as high as 87mm, and the Dart at Austins Bridge in Devon was rated "exceptionally high" — yet the same region remains under a severe drought declared just weeks ago.

October rainfall across England is now running 11% above the long-term average, though Cornwall and Devon reservoir storage had already fallen to just 31%.

Herefordshire alone recorded 39 emergency incidents across the two storms, 30 of which were attributed to fallen trees and branches.

Millions of households remain subject to a hosepipe ban despite the heavy rainfall, with water companies facing calls to strengthen drought planning over fears about long-term supply.

Daily Mail NewsEngland records its wettest week for two years after storms Austen and Boelo bring heavy rain - yet parts of south remain officially in drought LBCStorms Austen and Boelo cause England's wettest week in two years BBC News - EnglandWettest week for two years during named storms Evening StandardImpact of storms sees wettest week in England for two years The Hereford TimesStorms Austen and Boelo cause 39 emergency incidents in Herefordshire

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