The rain is expected to intensify from Saturday morning, continuing through the weekend and into Monday, with the possibility of freezing temperatures overnight in some areas. Authorities are urging residents in the affected regions to prepare for potential disruption and take necessary precautions.
Widespread Rainfall and Strong Winds Across England and Wales
According to the Met Office, an area of low pressure will bring bouts of heavy rain and strong winds to the UK, particularly affecting Wales, the Midlands, and southern England. Starting from the early hours of Saturday, residents can expect sustained rainfall and gusty winds, with conditions worsening as the day progresses.
The yellow weather warning for rain, in place from 6am Saturday to midnight, covers several regions, including the East Midlands, eastern England, London, and Wales. Between 20-30mm of rain is expected in most areas, with the highest totals anticipated across higher ground. Up to 80mm could fall in parts of southwest England and Wales, particularly in areas like Dartmoor and the hills of Wales.
Met Office chief meteorologist Jason Kelly explained: “While the exact track of the low remains uncertain at this time, there is a clear signal for strong winds and periods of heavy rain, which could lead to surface water flooding and delays to road and rail travel.” Coastal areas, in particular, will experience gusty winds, which could exacerbate the risks posed by the heavy rainfall.
The weather warnings highlight a serious concern for travellers, especially over the weekend. Flooding risks are elevated in these regions, particularly in areas with a combination of heavy rain and pre-existing surface water. This could lead to significant delays and potential damage to infrastructure.
Amber Warning for Monday: A More Severe Weather System Looms
On Monday, the UK will face a more severe weather system, prompting the Met Office to issue an amber warning for heavy rain. This warning will affect southern Wales, as well as parts of southwest England and the South East, from midnight until 3pm in Wales and from 8am Monday until 6am Tuesday in London and the surrounding areas.
Between 20-40mm of rain is likely to fall widely, with 60-80mm expected in areas of higher ground, such as the South Downs, Dartmoor, and the hills of Wales. In some locations, totals could even reach up to 120mm in isolated spots. The combination of rain and strong southwesterly winds will heighten the risk of flooding, particularly near the English Channel and coastal areas.
The weather conditions are also expected to bring further disruption to transport links, including rail and road networks. The Met Office warned that surface water flooding could cause delays to both journeys and infrastructure, with some regions experiencing hazardous travel conditions. Strong winds will continue to batter the coastline, particularly on the southern English shores, compounding the potential hazards.
The weather will remain unsettled after Monday, with wet and windy conditions continuing into the following days. While Sunday offers a brief respite with drier conditions for many areas, a widespread frost is expected overnight into Monday before the next wave of rain arrives.
