Scotland's north east has experienced a significant amount of precipitation since the start of 2026, with heavy snow falling in the first 10 days of the year, followed by persistent rainfall.

Aboyne, a town in Aberdeenshire, received over 277mm of rain in January, which is approximately four times the average monthly rainfall.

In Aberdeen, a record has been set for the longest period without reported sunshine, with no sun seen since January 21, surpassing any previous sunless period since Met Office records began in 1957.

The prolonged rainfall has had a wide-ranging impact, affecting various sectors such as football, the oil industry, agriculture, and road maintenance.

The question on many people's minds is what is causing this prolonged period of rainfall.

According to experts, a "blocked weather pattern" is to blame for the persistent rain.

This weather pattern has prevented significant movement in the jet stream, limiting the possibility of more settled and dry conditions.

Climate change is also a contributing factor, as it can lead to more intense rainfall events.

Met Office data suggests that a 1.5C increase in temperature could result in up to 16% more winter rainfall in Aberdeen and 13% more in Aberdeenshire, compared to the 1980s and 90s.

For Aboyne, this January has been the wettest on record since 1989.

In contrast, Aviemore, located 40 miles west of Aboyne, experienced less than half its average January rainfall.

The continuous heavy rainfall, often accompanied by strong winds, has had a significant impact on various aspects of life in the north east of Scotland.

Several North Sea oil companies have evacuated staff from their installations due to the challenging weather conditions, which have hindered supply efforts.

Aberdeenshire Council has found it difficult to repair potholes due to the ongoing weather warnings and flood alerts.

The council stated that the region is experiencing persistent heavy rainfall, leading to localized flooding and affecting parts of the road network.

The council advised residents to exercise caution when traveling, urging them to drive according to the conditions and heed road closure signs.

The severe weather has also affected wildlife, with puffins struggling to survive due to a lack of food, resulting in deaths and rescues.

The heavy rain has also disrupted sports events, including the postponement of Celtic's Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen.

Celtic expressed regret over the late postponement of the match, sympathizing with fans who had already begun their journeys or arrived in Aberdeen.

The club emphasized the need for earlier decision-making regarding match postponements.

The postponement of Aberdeen's Scottish Cup match against Motherwell was also announced.

Despite the weather, Aberdeen's Spectra festival of light is proceeding, with organizers encouraging attendees to dress warmly and enjoy the event.

Kevin Gilbert, the north east chairman of NFU Scotland, stated that the record rainfall is having a significant impact on farmers.

Gilbert, who farms near Kintore in Aberdeenshire, told BBC Scotland News that low-lying fields are completely submerged, and farmers are struggling to care for their livestock.

He explained that the prolonged rainfall is making it challenging for farmers to plan and work on their land.

Gilbert described the situation as "horrendous" and emphasized that the extreme weather is a significant challenge for farmers.

He noted that while farmers often complain about the weather, these extreme conditions are particularly difficult to manage.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) reported issuing 81 local flood warnings in January.

Sepa also stated that there are currently eight regional flood alerts and five local flood warnings in effect due to high tides and large waves along the east coast.

BBC Scotland Weather presenter Gillian Smart said that the weather outlook remains unsettled.

Smart explained that while wet and wintry weather is common in Scotland during January, this year's weather has been remarkable due to a blocked weather pattern.

She noted that the jet stream has been strengthened by cold conditions in North America, propelling Atlantic low-pressure systems towards Scotland.

At the same time, high pressure has become anchored over Scandinavia, creating a block that prevents weather systems from passing through and leading to persistent rain.

This pressure pattern has also brought persistent southeasterly winds to Scotland, resulting in the north east bearing the brunt of the rain and snow.

Smart explained that the ground is not getting a chance to dry out between weather systems, so even moderate rainfall is causing further flooding and disruption.

She forecasted blustery east winds and further rain for eastern Scotland on Friday.

The weekend is expected to bring an easing of the winds for most of Scotland, although it will remain blustery in the Northern Isles and north eastern coasts.

Smart predicted that the following week would bring a chance of more significant snowfall as the air turns colder.

The weather pattern is expected to continue, with plenty of cloud and patchy rain, and any snow confined to the mountains.

The prolonged period of rainfall is likely to continue, with no significant change in the weather pattern expected in the near future.

University of Glasgow's Prof Hester Parr, a cultural geographer, focuses her research on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that affects many during certain times of the year.

According to Prof Parr, the weather has a unique impact on each individual, influencing their mood and behavior in distinct ways.

For those who experience severe depression during specific periods, such as winter, Prof Parr notes that this can be characteristic of seasonal affective disorder, which has a profound effect on their mental wellbeing.

Prof Parr predicts that people will be spending more time indoors, leading to what she terms "wet lives," which can have negative consequences for mental health.

During periods of bad weather, many people tend to isolate themselves, staying indoors with curtains closed, but Prof Parr warns that this can exacerbate mental health issues, rather than alleviate them.

Establishing a daily routine that incorporates outdoor activities and exposure to natural light can have a positive impact on mental health, increasing energy levels and improving mood, according to Prof Parr.

By venturing outdoors, individuals can discover that their surroundings are not as bleak as they seemed, and that even on the cloudiest days, there is still an abundance of natural light to be found.

Prof Parr emphasizes that spending time outside, even on the darkest days, can be highly beneficial for mental health, as it allows individuals to tap into the natural light available in their environment, which can have a profound positive effect.