Britain is braced for a significant soaking as weather maps turn a dramatic shade of red, indicating a deluge of rain set to hit millions across the country in the coming weeks.
Widespread Deluge Forecast
According to data from WXCharts, which utilises Metdesk information, vast swathes of the UK could see as much as 1.7 inches of rainfall. The areas most affected are projected to be southern England, southern Wales, and north West Wales. The same substantial amount is also forecast for the Lancashire and Cumbria coastline, with western Scotland facing a similar drenching.
Unsettled End to January
The Met Office has indicated that conditions across the nation will be changeable between January 17 and January 26. A spokesperson explained that further areas of low pressure moving in from the Atlantic will dominate the weather pattern. This will result in showers or longer spells of rain for many regions.
"Wet weather will probably be most prevalent across western areas," the forecast states. "Though given the potential for low pressure systems to become slow-moving in the vicinity of the UK, heavy rain is possible anywhere at times." The forecast also warns of periods of windy weather interspersed with drier, more settled conditions, mainly towards the east.
Temperature Outlook and Winter Hazards
While temperatures are expected to be near normal overall, the Met Office highlights the potential for colder spells in the north and east. This cooler air brings with it the risk of associated winter hazards. The forecast adds that wintry precipitation will initially be more reserved for higher ground.
The detailed weather maps suggest the peak of the heavy rainfall will occur around January 22, with showers continuing for several days afterwards. Some parts of the country could eventually see cumulative totals reaching up to 2.9 inches, raising the possibility of localised flooding, particularly in southern regions.
This period of unstable weather follows other recent disruptions, including airport closures in major European cities due to severe conditions, underscoring a volatile pattern across the region as January draws to a close.
