The Met Office has released weather maps showing heavy rain moving across large parts of the UK on Saturday, August 29, with 14 areas forecast to see downpours throughout the day.
According to the Met Office's rainfall radar map, outbreaks of heavy rain are expected to develop across western parts of the UK from the early hours of Saturday before spreading further east and north. The rain is forecast to arrive from around 4am, initially affecting parts of Cornwall and Wales, before progressively moving across other parts of the country, including areas of southern and southeastern England, northern England and parts of Scotland.
Areas and cities potentially affected
Among the areas and cities potentially affected are Cardiff, Plymouth, Manchester, Preston, Swansea and London, while parts of northern Scotland could also see spells of rain.
Around 7am, parts of Cornwall and Devon could see rainfall rates of up to 8mm per hour. By around 10am, rainfall rates could reach as much as 16mm per hour in several areas including around Weymouth, while parts of northwest England, including areas near Preston and Lancaster, are also expected to see heavy rain.
Rain expected to continue throughout the day
Rain is expected to continue throughout the day. The 1pm forecast map also shows large parts of the UK covered by rain, with further heavy bursts possible in some areas.
It is worth noting that the UK rainfall radar map changes because it continuously updates with live observations and short-term forecasts.
The Met Office's forecast for Friday to Sunday reads: "Low pressure systems will continue to bring rain and heavy showers across many areas through this period. Temperatures trending nearer to average, but feeling warm in the sunnier moments."
Full list of UK areas expected to see heavy rain on Saturday
- East Sussex
- West Sussex
- Cornwall
- Devon
- Greater London
- Somerset
- Swansea County
- Lancashire
- North Yorkshire
- Cumbria
- Gwynedd
- Kent
- Suffolk
- Surrey
Looking further ahead, the Met Office's long range forecast for the period of Sunday August 30 to Tuesday September 8 also states: "An unsettled period is likely, with showers or longer spells of rain possible across many parts of the UK. Some heavy rain is likely, perhaps with some thunderstorms too."
"Rainfall amounts will probably be above average for the time year and there is potential for some strong winds at times. Some drier and more settled interludes could develop at times, but these will likely be short-lived. Temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or very warm spells are possible, especially in the south."
