UK Braces for Potential Flooding as Met Office Issues Yellow Weather Alerts
The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for rain across parts of the UK, heightening concerns about potential flooding and travel disruption. Heavy rain is expected to impact Hampshire, West Sussex, Cornwall, Devon, and areas of Wales and Herefordshire from 5am to 9pm on Friday.
Rainfall Predictions and Saturated Ground Conditions
Forecasters anticipate 20 to 30mm of rain in most locations, with up to 50mm possible on higher ground. The south of England and Wales have experienced consistent rainfall throughout the year, leaving the ground already saturated. This saturation significantly increases the likelihood of surface water flooding, with spray and flooded roads expected to adversely affect driving conditions.
A separate warning remains in effect for Northern Ireland until midnight on Friday, where heavy rain may also lead to localized flooding and travel issues. Most areas in Northern Ireland are forecast to receive 10 to 20mm of rain, though south-facing hills could see accumulations of up to 50mm.
Record-Wet Start to the Year and Historical Context
This alert comes as the Met Office reports rain has been recorded somewhere in its network every single day of the year so far, marking 36 consecutive days of precipitation. This follows a wetter-than-average January across the UK.
Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon explained, "Rain has been reported somewhere in the network every day of the year so far. While amounts are trivial on some days, and some areas will have seen dry days, the UK has seen a wet start to the year, particularly in Northern Ireland and southern England."
He attributed this pattern to "a succession of fronts or low-pressure systems arriving from the west, bringing heavy rain at times, as well as damaging winds for some." Dixon added that "there's little sign of a let-up in the current forecast, with further unsettled weather in the coming days and over the weekend."
Northern Ireland recorded its wettest January in 149 years, making it the second wettest on record. The recent Storm Chandra brought record-breaking rainfall to several UK sites, particularly on 26 January. Katesbridge in County Down experienced a staggering 100.8mm of rain, far exceeding the previous site record of 38.2mm set in 2005.
Other locations also surpassed daily records, including Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon with 52.8mm, and Hurn in Dorset, Cardinham in Cornwall, and Plymouth Mountbatten in Devon all exceeding their previous highs.
Detailed Weekend Weather Forecast
Friday: Conditions will be mostly cloudy with showers or longer spells of rain moving northwards throughout the day. Some heavier bursts are possible, accompanied by hill snow in the North. A few sunny spells may develop, most likely across north-west Scotland. Windy conditions are expected.
Overnight into Saturday: Further outbreaks of rain are likely, especially in the North. Some clearer and drier spells may develop across the South, with light winds potentially leading to a few fog patches.
Saturday: The day will be rather cloudy with showers or longer spells of rain, some heavy across parts of south-west England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Persistent rain or drizzle is forecast for eastern Scotland. Temperatures will remain near average.
Sunday to Tuesday: Sunday will bring a mix of showers and sunny spells. The new week will start cloudy, with further light showers, before widely wet and windy conditions continue to arrive from the West.
