The Met Office has issued a significant yellow weather warning for heavy rain affecting large parts of England and Wales this weekend, with forecasters predicting potential travel chaos and flooding.
Weekend Weather System Approaches
A developing area of low pressure is expected to move across southern and central regions of the UK on Saturday, bringing what meteorologists describe as bands of heavy rain and gusty winds. The warning particularly affects Wales, the Midlands and southern England, with the alert extending into early next week.
Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly stated: While the exact track of the low remains uncertain at this time, there is a clear signal for strong winds and periods of heavy rain, which could lead to surface water flooding and delays to road and rail travel.
Rainfall Amounts and Potential Impacts
Forecasters anticipate substantial rainfall across the warned areas, with 20-30mm expected widely across England and Wales. Some locations could see up to 50mm, while there's a low probability of 60-80mm accumulating on higher ground.
The Met Office has highlighted several potential impacts:
- Difficult driving conditions and travel disruption
- Possible flooding of homes and businesses
- Small chance communities could become cut off by flooded roads
- Slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services
Colder Air Brings Snow Risk
As the system pushes into northeast England during Saturday, it will meet colder air arriving from the north. This interaction could cause some precipitation to fall as snow over higher ground, adding to the potential disruption.
Sunday is expected to bring drier and brighter conditions for many areas, though temperatures will drop significantly. Blustery winds will persist near some North Sea coasts, and widespread frost is anticipated overnight into Monday.
Further Systems Approach Next Week
The brief respite won't last long, as another Atlantic weather system is forecast to sweep in from the South West at the weekend's conclusion. This subsequent system is expected to bring further rain, with the heaviest falls likely over south and southwest England and South Wales.
The Met Office has indicated that strong winds will accompany this system, with gusts potentially reaching gale force along exposed coasts. Yellow warnings for rain have already been issued, and forecasters are closely monitoring developments.
Looking further ahead, next week's weather is expected to remain changeable with occasional dry spells, though the pattern of unsettled conditions appears set to continue.
