The Met Office has delivered a sobering forecast for the United Kingdom, stating there is currently 'no end in sight to the rain' after a stormy start to 2026. This warning comes as heavy downpours have lashed the country every single day of the year so far, with significant impacts already being felt across various regions.
Persistent Rainfall and Widespread Warnings
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 cautioned that this persistent wet weather could lead to homes and businesses flooding, potential disruptions to power supplies, and surface water flooding due to the already saturated ground conditions.
Record-Breaking Rainfall Figures
Recent data highlights the severity of the situation. South West England and South Wales experienced 50% more rainfall than usual during January, contributing to a national trend of excessive precipitation. According to the Environment Agency, England as a whole received 150% of its long-term average rainfall last month, with the South West region seeing a staggering 184% of the average.
In just the first three days of February, the South East had already accumulated 32% of the long-term average rainfall for the entire month. Weekly totals from 28 January to 3 February ranged from 13mm in eastern England to 43mm in the South West, underscoring the regional disparities in rainfall intensity.
Forecast Predictions and Meteorological Insights
Dan Stroud, an operational meteorologist with the Met Office, explained the ongoing pattern. 'Unfortunately, there's no end in sight,' he stated, attributing the persistent rain to a large area of high pressure located to the far north and east of the country. This high-pressure system is blocking low-pressure areas from moving through, effectively trapping the wet weather over the UK.
Mr Stroud added that another band of rain is expected to travel northwards from the South West on Friday, bringing heavy bursts. The forecast for Saturday indicates more heavy showers initially affecting the south before gradually pushing 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.
Regional Impacts and Additional Warnings
Northern Ireland is also under a yellow rain warning until midnight on Friday, with higher places potentially facing up to 80mm of rain, though 20mm is more widespread. In Scotland, persistent cloud and rain will continue to affect the eastern areas, including Aberdeen. However, there may be some brightness breaking through on Saturday in parts of East Anglia, the South East, and possibly west Scotland.
According to the yellow warning covering South West England and parts of Wales, up to 50mm of rain is anticipated in higher elevations, with widespread downpours of around 30mm. The Met Office emphasises that until the high-pressure system shifts, significant changes in the forecast are unlikely.
Broader Context and Related Weather Events
This relentless UK rainfall is part of a broader weather pattern influenced by the jet stream positioned far to the south, which is also bringing exceptional wet weather to Spain and Portugal. The ongoing downpours follow Storm Chandra last month, which caused significant disruption, including waves crashing over Blyth Pier lighthouse in Northumberland and floodwater in areas like Burrowbridge, Somerset.
As the UK grapples with this extended period of wet weather, residents are urged to stay informed about local forecasts and heed any warnings issued by authorities to mitigate risks associated with flooding and travel disruptions.
