Britain is bracing for a dramatic weather shift as a colossal wall of rain, stretching an incredible 618 miles, prepares to sweep across the nation following a bout of wintry snow. Fresh weather maps have lit up in alarming shades of red and yellow, signalling the intensity of the incoming deluge set to hit from the west coast.
From Snowflakes to Downpours
The UK has shivered through another cold snap, with some areas seeing up to 7cm of snow and temperatures plummeting to sub-zero lows. The snowfall, which has been particularly intense over high ground, is expected to continue into Thursday evening before petering out in the early hours of Friday.
However, the reprieve from snow will be short-lived. According to the latest data from WXCharts, a powerful rain system will make landfall over Scotland and Northern Ireland around midday on Friday. This system will bring with it significant rainfall, with the Scottish Highlands and Glasgow in the firing line for up to 4mm and 5mm per hour respectively by Friday evening. Belfast is also set for similar downpours.
The Nationwide Soaking
The rain's march across the UK will be relentless. By Saturday morning, early risers in the North and Midlands will wake to showers of around 2.5mm per hour. Cities including Manchester, Bristol, Swansea, and Blackpool are forecast to bear the brunt of the early rainfall, with approximately 2mm per hour.
At its peak on Saturday, the enormous band of moisture will span from Aberdeen in Scotland all the way down to Plymouth in the south-west—a staggering distance of 618 miles. The southeast, including London, Norwich, and Ipswich, will experience the rain later on Saturday, with it finally clearing off the east coast by around 9pm.
Bitter Cold and Flooding Risks
Despite the transition from snow to rain, the cold is here to stay. Temperatures are forecast to hover between -1C and 0C on both Friday and Saturday, ensuring a raw and chilly feel for much of the country.
The substantial rainfall could exacerbate existing problems, particularly in the West Country where several flood alerts are already in place. The Met Office's outlook for Saturday to Monday confirms the unsettled pattern, stating: "Outbreaks of rain spreading eastwards on Saturday. Turning less cold but windy over the weekend with further spells of rain or showers Sunday and Monday, although some brighter spells too." Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest warnings and travel advice.
