The Met Office has triggered yellow weather warnings across large parts of the UK, signalling a weekend of disruptive heavy rain and gusty winds. A developing area of low pressure is set to sweep across southern and central regions, posing a significant risk of flooding and travel chaos.
Weekend Washout: Saturday's Deluge
From the early hours of Saturday morning, a band of heavy rain will push across the country. Forecasters warn that as much as 80mm of rainfall could accumulate over parts of the South West of England and Wales. Areas including the North and South Downs are expected to see slightly lower, but still substantial, totals of 50 to 60mm.
The rain warning is in effect from 6am on Saturday until midnight, covering a vast area including the East Midlands, eastern England, London, southern England, south-west England, Yorkshire, and Wales. Coastal regions will also experience particularly strong winds.
A Brief Respite Before More Rain
Sunday is forecast to bring a welcome change, with drier and brighter conditions expected for most. However, it will feel noticeably colder, with temperatures hovering around 7°C in the south and 3°C in Scotland, leading to a widespread frost overnight into Monday.
This break will be short-lived. The unsettled weather returns with a vengeance at the start of the new week, with three separate yellow weather warnings already issued.
New Week, New Warnings
The Met Office has outlined a detailed timeline for Monday's incoming weather system. A warning for Wales and South West England is active from midnight until 3pm on Monday. Subsequently, a warning for London and South East England will run from 8am on Monday to 6am on Tuesday.
During this period, another 60-80mm of rain is likely over high ground in south Wales and Dartmoor. Other areas, including Exmoor, the Mendips, and the Cotswolds, can expect 40-50mm, while the North and South Downs may see up to 50-60mm.
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly advised the public to be cautious, stating: "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." He also noted that rain pushing into north-east England on Saturday could turn to snow over higher ground.
The overall outlook for the week ahead remains unsettled, with wet and windy conditions predicted to dominate, interspersed with only brief drier spells.
