The UK is braced for a severe bout of extreme weather, with forecasters warning that a month's worth of rain could deluge parts of the country within just 24 hours. The Met Office has issued a high-impact amber weather warning, highlighting a "danger to life" from potential flooding and travel chaos.
Widespread Warnings and Critical Risk Areas
The most critical conditions are expected from Sunday night into Monday, with the heaviest downpours focused on South Wales. The Met Office warns that some areas here could see an astonishing 100 to 200mm of rainfall, adding to already saturated ground and swollen rivers. Senior meteorologist Marco Petagna stated that "almost five inches of rain" (120mm) is possible in some spots, leading to significant flooding issues.
Beyond South Wales, a broad swathe of the UK is under yellow weather warnings. These cover London, South East England, South West England, and the West Midlands from midnight Monday to 3am Tuesday. Further yellow warnings for rain are also active for the East Midlands, North West England, South West Scotland, and Yorkshire and Humber, where 20-40mm is widely expected, rising to 100-120mm over the Cumbrian fells.
Official Urgency and Public Advice
With the impact level upgraded to high, authorities are urging immediate public vigilance. Richard Preece, duty tactical manager for Natural Resources Wales, emphasised the heightened risk: "With some rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued." He strongly advised people to check their flood risk online and sign up for free flood warnings.
The Met Office also cautioned that the torrential rain will be accompanied by strong southwesterly gusts, with gales likely around exposed coasts and over high ground. While the focus remains on Monday's severe event, forecasters note that the unsettled pattern may continue, with further warnings possible later in the week.
Detailed UK Weather Forecast
Today (Sunday): A drier day for many with sunny spells, though showers will affect northern coastal counties. Wet and windy weather will push in from the west later.
Tonight: Rain and wind intensify from the west, becoming heavy in places with some snow on Scottish mountains. Milder temperatures.
Monday: Persistent, disruptive rain for southwest England and south Wales with a high likelihood of flooding. Windy for all with coastal gales. Brighter in the north.
Tuesday to Thursday: Rain clears early Tuesday, leaving sunshine and showers for most of the week, most frequent in the south and west. Temperatures around average for early December.
