The driest June since 2006 contrasted with the wet start to the year and the wetter summers seen in recent years, but according to analysis from the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the situation in the UK remains healthy, despite prolonged periods of dryness in parts.

In its monthly hydrological summary, CEH showed that rainfall in Scotland and Wales fell below 75 percent average levels last month, and England received just over half of that expected for June. As a result, river flows were generally below average, though most remained within the normal range for the time of year.

Only Northern Ireland saw above average rainfall last month. CEH said soil moisture deficits were high everywhere except for Northern Ireland and "very localised" pockets of the contiguous UK which had higher rainfall. CEH analysts said that, "whilst this [deficit] is not unusual for the time of year, it is markedly different to the erratic behaviour of soil moisture levels observed in previous years."

Nevertheless, most major aquifers retained moderately above average levels, despite the dry weather, leading analysts to state that groundwater resources are "healthy" on the whole. Cool conditions persisted throughout the month; the midlands enjoyed warmer weather on average, but the rest of the UK experienced the coolest June weather in over 20 years.  

CEH spokesperson Simon Parry said, "With reservoir stocks and groundwater levels predominantly average to above average across the country, the water resources outlook remains healthy, although continued settled weather patterns over the coming months may cause locally depressed summer flows in responsive catchments, and the rapid increase in soil moisture deficits will likely delay the onset of river flow and groundwater recovery in the autumn."