The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for heavy rain and strong winds, set to sweep across parts of the United Kingdom from Monday evening. The forecaster warns of potential disruption, with more than half a month's average rainfall expected to fall in some areas within a 24-hour period.
Warning Details and Affected Regions
The yellow warning covers a broad swathe of the country, stretching from the Isles of Scilly northwards to Gloucester and west to St David's in Pembrokeshire. It is active for 24 hours from 6pm on Monday, 8th December 2025.
During this period, outbreaks of rain are predicted to become persistent and heavy. The Met Office forecasts accumulations of up to 40mm widely, with the highest totals of 60mm to 80mm likely over Dartmoor and the high ground of south Wales. This volume could exceed half the typical rainfall for the entire month of December in these locations.
Immediate Impacts and Ongoing Disruption
The wet and windy conditions are already being felt. On Saturday, gusts reaching 40mph affected parts of the south coast. In Seaford, East Sussex, firefighters were called to Victor Close after 6am to secure properties after a garage roof and door were detached by the high winds.
As of Saturday, more than a dozen flood warnings were in place across England, alongside nine in Scotland and two in Wales. With ground already saturated from recent rainfall, the Met Office cautions that further downpours in south Wales and south-west England could lead to difficult travel conditions and an increased risk of flooding.
Unsettled Outlook and Christmas Uncertainty
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates explained the cause: "A deepening area of low pressure will approach the UK from the south-west later on Monday, bringing with it heavy rain and strong winds, which are likely to affect the UK between late Monday and early Wednesday."
He noted uncertainty regarding the system's exact track, which will determine the areas most impacted. Further severe weather warnings are likely to be issued over the weekend as details become clearer. The public is urged to monitor the latest forecasts.
The broader forecast for the rest of December remains unsettled, with more periods of low pressure predicted. However, meteorologists state it is still too early to provide an accurate forecast for the Christmas period.
While northern Ireland, north-east England, and south-east Scotland may see drier spells this weekend, the overall picture is one of continued wet and windy weather through to Tuesday.
