The United Kingdom is preparing for a severely unsettled weekend of weather, with a significant freezing fog warning issued ahead of a prolonged nine-hour deluge of heavy rain forecast to cause widespread disruption.
Freezing Fog and Icy Patches Trigger Yellow Alert
The Met Office has activated a yellow weather warning for freezing fog across parts of southeast England. The forecaster stated the fog was set to develop on Thursday night, with visibility likely to drop below 100 metres in some areas. The warning, affecting East Sussex, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex, also highlighted the risk of icy patches forming on untreated surfaces before conditions clear on Friday morning.
Wind and Rain Sweep In, Bringing Flooding Threat
Friday is set to see the situation deteriorate further as persistent rain and strong, gusty winds move in from the southwest, spreading across the nation throughout the day. Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert warned of an unpleasant evening rush hour and advised people to allow extra time for travel.
Rainfall totals are expected to be high, with up to 50mm possible in northern areas. Parts of eastern Scotland could see even more. The most intense rainfall, however, is predicted for high ground in south Wales, southwest England, Cumbria, southwest Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Here, 20 to 30mm of rain is likely to fall in a concentrated six to nine-hour period.
Mr. Lehnert emphasised the heightened risk, stating: "Given how wet it has already been, the additional rainfall, especially in western areas, could lead to localised flooding and travel disruption." Coastal gales exceeding 50mph will also develop in places across the UK on Friday.
Unsettled Pattern Continues Into Next Week
The Met Office confirms that the unsettled weather will persist through the weekend and into the coming week. Sunday will see another band of rain moving northeast across the country, though significant accumulations in one spot are less likely.
The current five-day outlook from the forecaster is as follows:
- Tonight: Showers fading in the south, with fog and frost in eastern England.
- Friday: Morning fog clearing to cloud, with persistent rain and strengthening winds arriving from the west.
- Saturday to Monday: Brighter with blustery showers on Saturday, more rain on Sunday, and a brief settled spell with sunshine on Monday before conditions turn unsettled again by evening.
Residents are urged to stay updated with the latest Met Office forecasts and warnings, and to prepare for potential impacts on road travel and local services.
