Met Office issues more weather warnings as Britons brace for heavy rain this weekend
The UK faces more weather warnings as the Met Office predicts further unstable weather conditions will worsen in many areas over the coming days and into the weekend.
Heavy rain and strong winds that will continue throughout the week are expected to affect the southern part of the country on Friday.
A rain warning has been issued for Wales and parts of south-west England on Wednesday, and a 24-hour heavy rain warning has also been issued for several areas from 6am on Friday.
Met Office chief forecaster Neil Armstrong said: “Low pressure is dominating our weather this week, with multiple warnings in place and more unstable weather conditions coming.
“Vulnerabilities have increased compared to early autumn due to recent heavy rainfall events, so we are keeping a close eye on already saturated ground as this could lead to some flooding. Difficult travel conditions are also expected, with delays and increased chance of accidents.”
Rain warnings are in place from 6am to midnight on Wednesday, with 15-25mm of rain widely expected to fall in Wales, and continue until 6pm in south-west England, where 20-40mm of rain is expected.
Below-freezing overnight temperatures in Scotland later this week could also bring some snow to higher elevations.
On Friday, the East Midlands, Eastern England, London and regions including south-east England, north-west England, south-west England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber.
In general, around 30-50 mm of precipitation is expected, while 60-80 mm of precipitation is likely to occur in some regions. Following the recent wet weather, the Met Office warned it could cause flooding and disruption.
Environment Agency flood manager Stefan Laeger said minor surface water flooding was likely on Wednesday. “Environment Agency teams are on the ground and will support local authorities in responding to surface flooding. We would urge people not to drive through floodwater; it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car,” he said.
According to the Met Office, the UK weather forecast for next week is as follows:
Today
Rain in the south will gradually spread northwards to the midlands throughout Wednesday, with another band of weakening rain continuing across northern Scotland. It’s largely dry and there are bright spells elsewhere. Windy from north and southwest. It is quite mild for the southern regions.
Tonight
Locally heavy rain continues to move northwards, reaching Northern Ireland and northern England in the morning. Other places are drier but quite cloudy. Temperate for most people, colder in Northern Scotland.
Thursday
In the north, the rain continues to ease throughout the day. It’s drier with some bright spells elsewhere. The wind is light and light. Then the rain will continue and winds will strengthen in the south.
Outlook from Friday to Sunday
Cooling continues in the north with night frosts. More rain is expected in the south, especially on Friday. Strong winds will blow from the east on Friday and from the north over the weekend.
