The beginning of autumn 2026 continued to test Ukraine's water resources. The Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center analyzed in detail the hydrological regime of rivers in September, noting the persistence of critical trends. Warm weather and uneven precipitation distribution led to a continued decrease in water content across most of the country's rivers, creating serious challenges for local ecosystems.
Climate characteristics of September
According to UkrHMC, the first month of autumn was characterized by elevated temperatures. The average monthly air temperature across the country was 0.4–1.4°C above the established climatic norm. At the same time, a significant precipitation deficit ranging from 26% to 70% of the norm was recorded in most areas. However, in some regions the situation looked different: precipitation reached 108–238% of the monthly norm in certain catchment areas, and within the Sula river sub-basin in Sumy, Poltava, and Cherkasy regions, this figure jumped to 274% of the monthly norm.
Hydrological regime and low water levels
Despite local rains, no significant changes occurred in the overall situation of water bodies. Throughout September, rivers maintained a relatively stable low autumn water-level regime. Experts emphasize that water content in the vast majority of rivers continued to drop, and water levels by the end of the month approached the lowest multi-year low-water indicators.
Contradictory data
On one hand, official UkrHMC observations record a critical drop in water content below ecological flow rates at many sites, complete cessation of flow on certain rivers, and heavy Overgrowth of riverbeds with aquatic vegetation, which is extremely dangerous for ecosystems. On the other hand, local hydroposts in some northern and central regions periodically record local fluctuations in water levels after heavy downpours; however, experts note that these local surges cannot compensate for the nationwide water deficit and the global trend toward shallowing.
Consequences for ecosystems and conclusions
The complex hydrological situation, where river water content remains below ecological flow values, threatens the normal functioning of river ecosystems. In addition to climatic factors, intensive overgrowth of riverbeds with aquatic vegetation adds to the problem. Experts urge a more careful approach to Ukraine's water resources, considering the long-term consequences of climate change, which are already affecting the state of wells, small rivers, and large rivers across the country.
