The UK is bracing for significant rainfall, with the Met Office predicting an entire month’s worth of rain in just three days. The weather service has issued two consecutive yellow weather warnings, affecting large parts of England and Wales, including areas like Somerset and Devon, as fears of widespread flooding rise.
The deluge is expected to taper off by Friday night, coinciding with the expiration of the Met Office’s warnings. Heavy rain will be concentrated in Southwest England on Thursday, with thundery showers forecast for Southeast England on Friday. Communities in these regions could face flooding, potentially leading to disruptions in travel and daily life.
The first warning, which began at 9 pm Wednesday, is set to end tonight at 11:45 pm, followed by a second warning starting at midnight and lasting until 11:59 pm Friday. The Met Office cautioned that certain areas may escape the heaviest rain, but many locations in southern England and Wales are likely to experience significant rainfall and possible flooding by the week’s end.
In an average September, the UK typically receives 60-70mm of rain, but forecasts predict as much as 100mm could fall in some regions during the warnings. Communities are urged to prepare, with the Met Office advising residents to stock up on essentials such as batteries and bottled water. Some areas may see as much as 20-40mm of rain within a couple of hours, with the potential for up to 100mm if repeated heavy downpours strike.
As the weather warnings unfold, the public is encouraged to stay informed and take precautions against potential flooding and travel disruptions.