Updated Apr. 6, 2020 10:34 AM
While mainly dry conditions are in the forecast for much of the coming week, some parts of southern England are still being impacted by the historic rainfall from earlier in the year.
Despite the dry weekend and only isolated showers are expected on Monday, groundwater flood alerts are in place across southern England.
Groundwater flood alerts are in effect across parts of southern England as of Sunday evening, local time, as the area still recovers rom historic rainfall earlier in the year. (Image/UK Flood Service)
According to the U.K. Groundwater Forum, groundwater flooding occurs after long periods of high rainfall causes the water table to rise above normal levels. Groundwater will collect in areas where the ground is low, like in valleys, and the water table rises to the surface, creating areas of flooding.
While this can lead to flooding in fields and other low-lying areas, it can also cause flooding in cellars and can prevent septic tanks from operating effectively.
The region has been slowly recovering after several windstorms led to the wettest February on record. Some locations reported over double the amount of rainfall for the month. This includes London, where 98.6 mm (3.88 inches) of rain fell throughout the month, normal for February is 38.9 mm (1.57 inches).
After this amount of rainfall, River Severn breached flood barriers built to protect cities along the banks. Water flooded into houses, leaving the area devastated.
A member of the public and their dog is rescued after flooding in Nantgarw, Wales, as Storm Dennis hit the UK (Photo/AP).
Drier periods that arrived throughout the month of March and early April are forecast to continue this week.
"Dry weather will prevail this week, at least through Thursday," stated AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys. "This will help with the high groundwater levels across southern England recede."
"Water levels across many streams will continue to drop as well," he added.
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A storm moving into the area later this week can bring some isolated showers on Good Friday, before dry weather returns on Saturday. Another round of showers could move through the area on Easter Sunday.
This dry pattern will bring both good news and bad news for farmers.
"This will also be good for farmers who traditionally plant at this time," added Roys. "But for those who have already planted, these dry periods put a strain on the early growing period."
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The National Police Air Service took areal footage of the flooding along the River Taff in southern Wales following Storm Dennis on Sunday, February 16.
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