The May hydrological Summary from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology shows the month continued the pattern of below average temperatures, in which Britain has languished for most of the year so far.

In keeping with the rest of spring 2013, the majority of the UK received above average rainfall again in May. In fact, according to CEH, certain areas of North-Eastern England and North-West Scotland received more than double the long-term average rainfall for the month.

Analysts at the Centre said large parts of Scotland, Wales Northern Ireland and Northern and Central England received over 125 percent of the average May rainfall.

However, in some areas of Northern and Western England, the year so far has been much drier than average. These areas have seen below average rainfall for the past five months.

Even so, as a result of the cool, wet weather in most parts, groundwater resources are in a good condition. With the exception of parts of the Peak District, supplies in the UK's aquifers and reservoirs are within 10 percent of average levels for the time of year.

Simon Parry, from the Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, said, "Following the significant hydrological volatility of the three previous years, 2013 thus far has been relatively unremarkable by comparison, and the water resources outlook remains very favourable."

More information is available from CEH here.