Parts of eastern Scotland have seen improvements in water resources over the winter following the 2025 drought, although some areas could still face water scarcity later this year if spring rainfall is lower than normal.
According to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency’s Winter Water Situation Report, published on 10 March, rainfall patterns during the past three months have varied widely across the country.
Despite the UK experiencing one of its wettest winters on record, Scotland recorded around 14% less rainfall than the long-term average, with significant regional differences.
In north-east Scotland, including Dundee, Angus and Aberdeenshire, groundwater levels that fell to record lows during the 2025 drought have now recovered to between normal and very high levels for the time of year following substantial winter recharge.
However, recovery has been more variable elsewhere in eastern Scotland. In Fife and parts of the south-east, groundwater levels are generally normal for the time of year but remain below the levels recorded before the 2022 drought.
Winter rainfall also showed strong regional contrasts. January was the fourth wettest on record in the north-east since 1890, supporting the recovery in that region. In contrast, parts of the Highlands experienced much drier conditions, receiving just 58% of average rainfall during the month.
February followed a similar pattern. Eastern Scotland recorded around 119% of its long-term average rainfall, while northern Scotland saw only about 66% of its typical rainfall.
In the north Highlands, these drier conditions mean that some groundwater and loch levels remain normal to very low for the time of year.
While the contrasting conditions mean widespread water scarcity across Scotland is considered unlikely, some areas — particularly parts of Fife, the south-east and the Highlands — could face an increased risk if dry weather continues into the spring and summer.
Winter rainfall is critical for replenishing Scotland’s water resources. Rain and snow during autumn and winter recharge groundwater, rivers, lochs and reservoirs, which are gradually depleted during spring and summer as demand increases.
Following the drought conditions experienced in eastern Scotland during 2025 — the driest hydrological year in the region since 1976 — winter rainfall was particularly important for rebuilding depleted water stores.
SEPA will begin weekly water scarcity reporting in May, monitoring conditions closely as Scotland moves into the spring and summer months.
The agency will also continue working with partners including the Scottish Government, NFU Scotland, Farming and Water Scotland, the Scotch Whisky Association and other sectors to help businesses prepare for potential dry conditions.
Eleanore Cooper, SEPA’s Head of Environmental Forecasting and Warning, said:
“Last year’s drought showed how vulnerable some parts of Scotland can be to prolonged dry conditions. Winter rainfall is when our rivers, groundwater and lochs are replenished, so the patterns we see at this time of year are critical for the months ahead.
“While parts of north-eastern Scotland have seen welcome recovery since the record lows experienced during the 2025 drought, the picture across the country remains mixed and some areas have been much drier than usual this winter.
“As our climate continues to change, preparing for periods of water scarcity is becoming increasingly important. The cooperation we saw from farmers, industry and other water users last year played a vital role in protecting Scotland’s water environment. Planning ahead now is essential. The actions that reduce the impact of water scarcity, such as improving efficiency and reviewing contingency plans, must be taken before dry conditions develop.”
The Met Office outlook for March to May suggests that the likelihood of wetter-than-average or drier-than-average conditions is close to normal. Rainfall over the coming months is therefore expected to play a key role in determining how the water situation develops.
Further advice for abstractors and irrigators is available on SEPA’s website.
