Northern Ireland has experienced its wettest January in 149 years, following a month of persistent Atlantic storms and heavy rainfall.

According to provisional statistics from the Met Office, January 2026 stands as the second wettest on record for the region since data collection began in 1836, surpassed only by the rainfall totals of 1877.

The month was characterised by a succession of low-pressure systems, including Storms Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra. These weather events delivered 70% more rainfall than the long-term January average for Northern Ireland. This follows an already damp end to 2025, leaving the ground saturated and communities more susceptible to flooding.

Dr Amy Doherty, a science manager at the Met Office, explained that a strong jet stream repeatedly steered these systems towards the UK. Because there was very little opportunity for the ground to dry out between storms, even moderate rainfall resulted in a significant impact on local infrastructure and land. While the UK overall saw rainfall 17% above the long-term average, there was a stark regional divide. Southern England recorded its sixth wettest January on record with 74% more rain than usual, and Cornwall joined County Down in experiencing its wettest January ever recorded. Conversely, Scotland was the only nation to see below-average rainfall, though eastern parts of the country still faced totals 48% higher than their typical average.

Specific sites across Northern Ireland saw dramatic daily totals. During Storm Chandra on 26 January, Katesbridge in County Down recorded 100.8 mm of rain. This figure decimated the previous site record of 38.2 mm set in 2005. Other areas, including County Londonderry, Devon, and Dorset, recorded their second wettest January in nearly two centuries.

The month was also slightly colder than usual, with mean temperatures finishing 0.5°C below average. The year began with an Arctic airmass bringing snow and ice, followed by Storm Goretti, which prompted the first red wind warning of 2026 for the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall. While temperatures rose towards the end of the month, the frequent rain and wind remained the dominant features of the weather.

Sunshine levels remained close to the UK average of 47.7 hours, although Scotland was notably duller than usual, reaching only 85% of its typical January sunshine. As February begins, recovery operations continue in several communities, with further unsettled weather predicted in the coming days.