The UK is set for a severe bout of wet and windy weather, with the Met Office issuing a series of yellow warnings spanning four consecutive days. Forecasters warn that some regions could see more than half of the average December rainfall in just 24 hours, accompanied by damaging winds gusting up to 70mph.
Timeline of Disruption: When and Where Warnings Are in Place
The unsettled period began on Sunday, December 7, with a yellow rain warning for Northern Ireland, where up to 30mm of rain was forecast within six hours. The focus then shifts to southern England and Wales on Monday, where a more significant yellow rain alert is active.
In the worst-hit spots, such as Dartmoor and South Wales, the Met Office predicts accumulations could reach a staggering 100mm in a single day. This volume represents well over half the typical rainfall for the entire month of December in those areas.
Monday will also see powerful winds battering the southeast of England and the Welsh coast, with gusts of 70mph likely. Even stronger winds are possible in northwest Wales.
Extended Alert: Further Warnings Into Midweek
The severe conditions are not a one-day event. The initial warnings for wind and rain will remain active until 4pm on Tuesday. Furthermore, a separate yellow rain warning will cover parts of northeast England from midnight until 3pm on Tuesday.
This alert cautions that rain will be accompanied by strong south to southwesterly winds, with gusts exceeding 60mph over high ground like the Pennines, potentially worsening travel impacts.
A fourth warning for 70mph winds in western Scotland will then run from 3pm on Tuesday through to 10am on Wednesday. The Met Office notes a small chance of even stronger gusts if the deepening area of low pressure tracks closer to the coast.
Potential Impacts and Official Advice
Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, stated: "This system has the potential to cause disruption, and severe weather warnings are likely to be issued." He explained that a deepening low pressure system will approach from the southwest later on Monday, bringing the heavy rain and strong winds across the UK until early Wednesday.
The combination of intense rainfall and high winds raises the risk of significant travel disruption, localised flooding, and possible power outages. More than a dozen flood warnings are already active across England, Scotland, and Wales.
While a yellow weather warning is the mildest category, it signals conditions that could cause disruption to daily life. The public is advised to stay updated on forecasts and consider if their plans could be affected by potential flooding or transport delays.
The Met Office indicates that the rest of December is likely to remain unsettled, with further periods of low pressure expected to affect the UK.
