Has it Stopped Raining? UK Rainfall Explained
3 minute read
It feels like the whole of Britain has been living under a cloud all of February. Even by our famously soggy standards, 2026 is bringing rain almost every day. Our gardens are getting soaked, and not in a good way, rivers are rising, and brollies are working overtime. So, you may be wondering how much has it actually rained, why is it so relentless, and how can you track it at home? We have the answers you're looking for.
Why Has It Rained So Much?
The culprit is the Atlantic jet stream a high-altitude river of wind that directs weather patterns. Since the start of 2026, it has been parked over the UK like a stubborn relative at Christmas dinner.
Low-pressure systems have been rolling in one after the other, bringing moisture-laden air from the Atlantic. This results in constant showers and occasional heavy downpours. In short, the UK is getting more than its fair share of wet weather.
How Much Has Fallen So Far?
Across the country, rainfall totals for February 2026 are already exceeding the long-term monthly average. Some regions in the South West and North West have reported totals approaching 150-200% more than the usual February rainfall, while areas in Scotland and Northern Ireland are not too far behind.
For context, average rainfall in the UK typically ranges from 50-80mm. Some areas have seen nearly double that! If your grass is looking more like a pond, you're not imagining it.
How To Measure Rainfall at Home
If you've ever looked out at the garden and thought, "Surely it hasn't rained that much" you can actually find out for yourself, and it's much easier than you may think! A simple manual rain gauge is an easy way to start. They're affordable, straightforward to install, and perfect for keeping track of daily rainfall in your garden. You just check the rainfall level measurement, write down your recordings on a record pad, and then empty it. No fuss, no tech required.
If you'd rather not pop outside every time it showers, digital rain gauges or even a weather station do the hard work for you. They automatically record rainfall and send the data to a display unit that you keep indoors, so you can see exactly how much rain has fallen at a glance.
At the end of the day, using rain gauges in the UK simply means you're no longer guessing. Instead of relying on how squishy the grass feels, you'll have accurate figures to back up your weather complaints, which, let's be honest, makes them far more satisfying. If you're unsure what those millimetre measurements actually represent, we've explained this in our separate blog on understanding rainfall measurements.
Why You Should Track Rainfall
We love moaning about the weather, but rarely stop to measure it. Yet knowing how much rainfall we have had is actually very useful and not just for meteorologists. For those who love to garden, it helps avoid overwatering plants already struggling in saturated soil and allows for better planning and planting schedules. Not much of a gardener? Homeowners can benefit too by monitoring drainage systems and preparing for potential damp or waterlogging issues. Farmers, meanwhile, can plan field access, protect crops, prevent soil compaction, and manage irrigation more effectively.
Final Thoughts
Britain may complain about the rain, but instead, why not take the time to measure rainfall properly? With options such as manual or digital rain gauges and even weather stations, tracking rainfall helps you stay ahead of waterlogging and floods. Stop moaning and start monitoring, your home, garden, and peace of mind will thank you.