The UK continues to be battered by relentless rain, with some areas already exceeding their average February rainfall within the first eight days of the month. The Environment Agency has issued over 158 flood alerts and 99 flood warnings, primarily across southern England, the southern Welsh border, and the East Midlands. At least 300 properties have been flooded so far, according to EA estimates.
This follows a record-breaking January, which became the wettest on record for Cornwall and County Down in Northern Ireland. Parts of Devon, Cornwall, Worcestershire, Somerset, and West Sussex have recorded more than 30 consecutive days of rain, while locations such as North Wyke in Devon, Cardinham in Cornwall, and Astwood Bank in Worcestershire have seen rain every day of 2026.
The Met Office attributes the seemingly ceaseless deluge to a “blocking high” over northern Europe, which prevents weather systems from clearing the UK. Chief forecaster Neil Armstrong explained that a strong, south-shifted jet stream is steering low-pressure systems directly towards the UK, energised by cold air plunges across North America. This has resulted in continuous waves of rain, strong winds, and hill snow in parts of Scotland.
Further disruption is expected, with eastern Scotland facing possible flooding on Tuesday as 15 to 30mm of rain is forecast widely, and up to 60mm over higher ground. Andrew Hitchings, the EA’s flood duty manager, urged the public to remain vigilant, warning of significant groundwater in Dorset and Wiltshire, and river flooding risks on the Somerset Levels, East Midlands, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.
Senior operational meteorologist Simon Partridge stated that the weather will remain unsettled throughout the week, with further wet and windy spells. He added that there is no sign of prolonged dry weather for the next seven to ten days, and further rainfall warnings are likely.
