Rainfall data explained

Created: 23 October 2019 Updated: 14 January 2023

We have two types of rainfall network.  Data from automatic gauges collected at a high resolution and data from a network of volunteers.

We have approximately 1000 automatic gauges and 1400 manually read gauges across England. We can provide recent and historic data from these gauges.

Data from automatic gauges is available at a range of resolutions from event data (time of tip), 15 minute totals, daily and annual rainfall totals.

The automatic gauges are operated by Hydrometry & Telemetry teams. Data from manually observed gauges is typically daily or monthly accumulated rainfall totals and sent to us at regular intervals.

Please note this is unvalidated data and could potentially contain errors due to faulty instruments or on-site maintenance.

To access this data please refer to the Data Services Platform: Rainfall API demonstrator

For instructions on how to download the data as a CSV please refer to: How to download Rainfall data as a CSV (excel)

For quality controlled and historic data please send your request to: enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk