UK Flood Crisis: 37 Days of Rain Triggers Major Warnings Across England
Britain is grappling with a severe flooding crisis as relentless rainfall has persisted for 37 consecutive days in parts of the country, prompting widespread alerts and warnings. The Environment Agency has issued over 100 high-level flood warnings and more than 250 flood alerts across England, with Somerset and surrounding areas bearing the brunt of the deluge.
Unprecedented Rainfall and Flood Alerts
The Met Office confirmed that rain has fallen every single day of 2026 in southwest England and southern Wales, regions that experienced a January with 50% more rainfall than average. This sustained wet weather has led to 15 major flood alerts specifically for Somerset, where officials warn of "significant flooding" risks. Key areas under threat include the A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge, the River Parrett at Langport Westover Trading Estate, and Salt Moor and North Moor.
National Impact and Weather Warnings
Flooding concerns extend far beyond Somerset, with major warnings active in regions near Salisbury, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Chertsey, Northampton, Peterborough, and Birmingham. While no 'severe' warnings—the highest alert level—are currently in place, the situation remains critical. In Scotland, a yellow weather warning for rain covers Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeen, and Aberdeenshire until 9am today.
Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud described the outlook as bleak, stating there is "no end in sight" to the gloomy conditions. The forecast for the coming week predicts continued unsettled weather, with further rain expected and the wettest conditions likely in eastern Scotland, southwest England, and possibly Northern Ireland.
Long-Range Forecast and Future Risks
The long-range forecast offers little respite, with the Met Office indicating that "predominantly cyclonic patterns" will dominate the UK from February 12 to 21. Early in this period, colder conditions may bring snow to northern and northeastern areas, providing a brief break from the rain in the south. However, by late February, Atlantic depressions are expected to shift northward, maintaining unsettled weather with more rain and strong winds.
Many parts of the country may experience milder temperatures due to westerly influences, though colder conditions could persist in the northeast. This ongoing pattern underscores the urgency of the flood warnings and the need for continued vigilance as Britain faces one of its wettest starts to a year on record.
