The Met Office has issued urgent flood warnings for parts of Britain, with forecasts predicting more than half of December's average monthly rainfall could deluge some regions within a single 24-hour period.
Yellow Warning and Forecast Deluge
A significant yellow weather warning for rain is now in force for parts of south-west England and Wales. The alert, active from 6pm on Monday for 24 hours, warns that outbreaks of rain will turn persistent and heavy. The warning zone stretches from the Isles of Scilly north to Gloucester and west to St David's in Pembrokeshire.
Meteorologists predict widespread totals of up to 40mm, with 60mm to 80mm likely over high ground like Dartmoor and parts of south Wales. This volume represents over half the typical rainfall for the entire month of December, falling in just one day.
Existing Disruption and Further Risks
The warning follows a weekend of unsettled conditions. By Sunday morning, the Environment Agency had issued 11 flood warnings and 94 flood alerts across England, with additional warnings in Scotland and Wales. Strong winds also caused damage, with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service called to Seaford after a garage roof and door were detached in gusts of up to 40mph.
The Met Office warns that rain falling on already saturated ground in south Wales and south-west England could lead to difficult travel conditions, including spray and potential flooding on roads. While northern Ireland, north-east England and south-east Scotland may see drier spells, further bands of rain are expected to push across the country.
Unsettled Outlook and Christmas Uncertainty
Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, explained the cause: 'A deepening area of low pressure will approach the UK from the south-west later on Monday, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds, which are likely to affect the UK between late Monday and early Wednesday.' He noted uncertainty around the system's track means the areas most impacted could change, and further severe warnings may be issued.
The broader forecast for the rest of December remains unsettled, with more periods of low pressure expected. However, meteorologists say it is still too early to provide an accurate forecast for the Christmas period. The public is urged to monitor the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings for their area.
