Recent rainfall helps Black Isle recovery from drought conditions

Following an uncharacteristically dry first part of summer, recent rainfall has led to some recovery across Scotland.

Conditions are now more typical for this time of year.

However, another dry spell may quickly lead to a deterioration in the water scarcity situation, especially in the east where soil moisture remains dry.

Widespread improvement in river flows and ground conditions due to recent rainfall has resulted in many areas across Scotland experiencing some recovery in their water scarcity level.

As a result, the Black Isle has improved to Alert, dropping from Significant Water Scarcity.

The Forth area has improved from Moderate Scarcity to Early Warning, with the Findhorn, Spey, Dee (Aberdeenshire), Annan, Nith, Loch Maree and Outer Hebrides dropping to Alert.

In the east river flows and soil moisture have seen less recovery and remain drier, with many areas remaining at Alert. Further recovery in parts of western Scotland has resulted in more areas in the region improving to Normal conditions.

Rainfall showers are forecast for this weekend, which may lead to continued recovery in some areas.

However, there is uncertainty around the locations and quantity of this rain.

With parts of Scotland remaining at risk of water scarcity, continued rainfall into August will be necessary to avoid further deterioration.

SEPA is monitoring the situation and coordinating steps to manage water resources in line with Scotland's National Water Scarcity Plan which is available on SEPA’s website.

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