UK Weather: No End in Sight for Persistent Rain, Warns Met Office
Forecasters have issued a stark warning that there is no end in sight to the relentless rain that has been lashing Britain every single day of 2026 so far. This comes after a stormy January saw parts of England and Wales experience 50% more rainfall than usual, with the wet conditions showing no signs of abating.
Current Weather Warnings and Impacts
A yellow rain warning remains in force for the West Midlands, along with parts of southern England and Wales, and is set to continue until 9pm on Friday. The Met Office has highlighted several significant risks associated with this ongoing downpour:
- Homes and businesses could face flooding due to the saturated ground.
- Power supplies may be affected by the adverse weather conditions.
- Surface water flooding is likely, given the already waterlogged terrain.
In South West England and South Wales, where rainfall has been particularly heavy, forecasters predict that daily rain will persist through to Sunday. Dan Stroud, an operational meteorologist with the Met Office, emphasised the grim outlook, stating, "Unfortunately, there's no end in sight."
Regional Breakdown and Forecast Details
The weather pattern shows little variation across the UK. On Friday, another band of rain is expected to move northwards from the South West, bringing with it heavy bursts of precipitation. Saturday will see similar conditions, with heavy showers initially affecting the south in the morning before gradually spreading into Wales and the Midlands.
By Sunday, yet another band of rain is predicted to arrive in the southern and western parts of the UK, though conditions may be slightly drier elsewhere. In Northern Ireland, a yellow rain warning is in effect until midnight on Friday, with higher places potentially facing up to 80mm of rain, though 20mm is more widespread.
Scotland is not spared, with persistent cloud and rain continuing to affect the east of the country, including Aberdeen. However, there may be some respite, as parts of East Anglia, the South East, and possibly west Scotland could see some brightness breaking through on Saturday.
Meteorological Factors Behind the Persistent Rain
Mr Stroud explained the meteorological reasons for this prolonged wet spell. "Very little in the way of change, and the reason for it really is that we've got a big area of high pressure way out to the far north and east of the country, and that's stopping areas of low pressure from moving through," he said.
He added that until this high-pressure system shifts, the forecast is unlikely to change significantly. Compounding the issue, the jet stream is positioned far to the south, bringing exceptional wet weather to Spain and Portugal, which indirectly influences the UK's conditions.
Historical Context and Record-Setting Gloom
The persistent rain has led to record-setting periods of gloom in some areas. For instance, one city has seen no sunshine for two weeks, a duration unmatched since records began in 1957. This highlights the unusual and sustained nature of the current weather patterns.
According to the yellow warning covering South West England and parts of Wales, up to 50mm of rain is predicted in higher places, with downpours of 30mm being widespread. This adds to the already significant rainfall totals from January, exacerbating the risk of flooding and disruption.
In summary, the UK faces continued challenges from heavy rainfall, with the Met Office advising vigilance and preparedness as the wet weather shows no immediate signs of easing.
