Looking forward to Summer 2022 and how we can help you.
As we approach Summer 2022, there is some speculation as to whether we will experience weather conditions similar to 2018 which resulted in the largest surge in subsidence related claims since 2003.
Without a pimped-out Delorean and a fully working flux capacitor, seeing into the future isn’t as simple as reaching 88mph, (sorry, can’t resist a little Pop-culture). Instead, to look forward we need to look back and that something we have been doing since the beginning of the year.
Utilising historic weather records and Soil Moisture Deficit (SMD) data from the Environment Agency, we have been tracking ground conditions across the country to give us some indication as to what we might expect during the summer, and of course the resources that may be required.
February 2022
Rainfall significantly higher than average - 147% of LTA, meaning soils were fully wet.
March 2022
Rainfall in March was at 72% of the LTA, the driest March since 2012. This saw SMDs grow across the country with 20% of catchments receiving less than half the March average rainfalls, leaving soils generally drier than expected at this time for year.
The Southeast and East of England were drier than expected.
April 2022
Rainfall in April was at 17mm in Southeast England, representing 33% of the LTA
The low rainfall prevented recharge of the moisture within the clay subsoil, with a resulting rise in SMD’s. Southeast England saw SMD levels at more than double the LTA, with soils being fully dry. The last time this occurred was in 2017
Figures based on 1991 to2020 LTA (Long Term Average)
3 Month Summary
We have experienced the driest March since 2012 which has been followed by a significantly drier than average April. As a result, the cumulative rainfall totals were mixed across the country, with Southern England being exceptionally low, whilst Northwest England was above normal, creating a country of two halves.
The 6-month cumulative rainfall totals were exceptionally low across Southern England, resulting in a ‘top ten’ driest six months to April on record.
We live in the UK so we all know how unpredictable weather forecasting can be however, we know May has had a dry start, with further periods of fine, sunny conditions forecast. This is set to continue over the next 3 months, with May to June having a higher-than-normal probability of being hot, with heat waves more likely towards the end of the period.
There is the possibility of thunderstorms, but due to expected dry soil conditions this would result in the run-off of most of the rainfall.
The profile of SMD for Southeast England is currently tracking similar to 2018 and 2020, so it’s fair to say at this stage, there is a very high probability that a hot summer will see an increase in subsidence related claims.
The next 4 weeks will give us an even clearer picture.
Quite simply, we believe that our unique approach to handling and investigating subsidence claims is significantly different to the current market, and in turn delivers increased service and costs benefits.
Our multi-disciplined Subsidence Team, comprising Subsidence Specialists, Field and Desk Technicians provide a fully integrated diagnostic, mitigation and rectification service which addresses all aspects of Subsidence claims. Our unique blend of subsidence knowledge and engineering, coupled with our skills and experience in this sector ensures we provide the highest quality of service to our Clients and their Policyholders, deploying task specific resources, when considering the possibility of Subsidence damage to their homes.
For more information on our range of Subsidence services and how we can support you during what may prove to be a long, hot, and busy summer, please contact: