London: The Met Office has issued a warning that some parts of the UK could receive more than half a month’s rainfall within a single 24-hour period this week.
A yellow weather warning for rain will come into effect at 6 pm on December 8 and remain active for 24 hours, covering areas across southwest England and Wales, and extending as far as Herefordshire and Hampshire.
Forecasters predict up to 40mm of rainfall in many regions, while 60–80mm is expected across higher elevations, including Dartmoor and parts of South Wales, amounting to more than half of December’s average monthly total. The upcoming rain is set to fall on already saturated ground, raising the likelihood of challenging travel conditions.
Currently, more than a dozen flood warnings are in force across England, with two warnings in Scotland and one in Wales. A separate yellow weather warning has also been placed on Northern Ireland for December 7, lasting from 8 am to 3 pm, as heavy rainfall affects the region. An image shared by the Met Office shows widespread wet weather across parts of the UK.
Steven Keates, the Met Office’s Deputy Chief Meteorologist, explained that a deepening low-pressure system is approaching from the southwest and is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds between late December 8 and early 10.
However, he said the exact path, intensity, and timing of the low-pressure system remain uncertain, making it difficult to determine which areas will experience the most severe impacts.
Keates warned that the approaching system “has the potential to cause disruption,” adding that additional severe weather warnings are expected to be issued over the weekend as forecasts become more precise. He urged the public to stay updated with the latest information from the Met Office.
Looking ahead, the Met Office noted that the rest of December is likely to stay unsettled, with more periods of low pressure expected. It also stated that it is too early to give an accurate forecast for Christmas.
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