Rainfall recorded every day in 2026 by weather station.

The North Wyke weather station in Devon has recorded rainfall every day since the start of 2026, marking an unusually wet period for the South West of England and nearly doubling the expected rainfall for this time of year.

The North Wyke weather station, located near Okehampton in Devon, has reported rainfall every single day since the start of 2026. This continuous precipitation forms part of a wider pattern affecting the South West of England, reflecting unusually wet conditions for the region.

Record Rainfall Levels

Data from the Met Office indicate that Devon has received rainfall exceeding the winter average by over 30%. Meteorologist Alex Burkill described the unbroken sequence of rainy days at North Wyke as "exceptional." Since January 1, the station has measured approximately 275mm (10.8 inches) of rainfall. By comparison, the expected amount for this period is around 150mm (6 inches), meaning nearly double the typical rainfall has occurred.

Bruce Griffith, the manager of the North Wyke research farm, highlighted the implications for ongoing data collection. The farm participates in a long-term study focused on monitoring nutrient run-off and soil conditions. The continuous rainfall has generated a substantial volume of research data, providing insights into the effects of prolonged wet weather on soil and farm management.

Impact on Agriculture

The persistent rainfall has caused concern among local farmers. Griffith noted potential difficulties with silage storage, straw availability, and spring crop planting. Saturated fields and heavy soils are delaying livestock turnout and increasing operational costs. He explained that late livestock release and the need to protect damaged fields could produce cascading effects extending into March and April. Farmers engaged in outdoor lambing or planning late winter livestock release are particularly affected by these conditions.

Weather Patterns Responsible

Meteorologist Burkill provided insight into the unusual weather pattern this winter. Typically, low-pressure systems move quickly from west to east across the UK. This year, a strong high-pressure system over Scandinavia has blocked the usual progression, causing rain-bearing systems to remain stationary over areas such as the South West and Northern Ireland. As a result, repeated waves of moisture have arrived from the Atlantic and the Celtic Sea. Burkill mentioned that the blocking high is beginning to weaken, which should allow weather systems to resume more typical movement.

Forecast for the Coming Week

Despite ongoing rain, slight improvements are expected. Burkill noted that Saturday, coinciding with Valentine’s Day, may bring intervals of dry weather and occasional sunshine before rainfall returns on Sunday. However, he warned that the rest of the week and the following week will continue to be predominantly cloudy, wet, and unsettled.

Additional Context

Other parts of the South West, including Cornwall, have also experienced daily rainfall since the start of 2026. January rainfall in some UK regions has broken records that have stood for over a century. More than 90 flood warnings remain active across the UK, with no significant dry period forecast. Griffith suggested that the extreme winter conditions observed at North Wyke may indicate broader future trends, with wetter winters and potentially drier summers. The prolonged rainfall emphasizes the challenges faced by agriculture and underscores the importance of monitoring soil conditions and nutrient run-off under changing weather patterns.

Sources:

• Weather station records rainfall every day in 2026 - Yahoo News Canada
• ‘No end in sight’ after parts of UK see rain every day so far in 2026 | ITV News
• Why is the UK weather so wet in 2026 | The Standard
• Weather station records rainfall every day in 2026