The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for heavy rain across 18 specific areas of the United Kingdom, effective for Sunday, 26th May. The warnings highlight a risk of localised flooding and significant disruption to travel, urging residents to prepare for challenging conditions throughout the day. The affected regions span parts of England, Scotland, and Wales, indicating a widespread weather event.
Forecasters anticipate that some areas could see between 30-40mm of rain within a 24-hour period, with isolated spots, particularly on higher ground, potentially experiencing up to 60mm. This volume of rainfall increases the likelihood of surface water flooding, which could affect homes and businesses, as well as lead to difficult driving conditions and delays or cancellations on public transport networks. The warnings are in place from early Sunday morning until late evening, covering a substantial portion of the day.
In England, areas under the yellow warning include parts of the South West, such as Devon and Cornwall, as well as sections of the Midlands and the North East. Scotland sees warnings issued for central and southern regions, including Glasgow and Edinburgh, alongside the Borders. Wales has warnings predominantly across its southern and central areas, including Cardiff and Swansea, where the topography can exacerbate the impact of heavy rainfall. Northern Ireland is not currently under a specific heavy rain warning for this period, though localised showers are still possible.
Beyond the immediate rainfall, wind speeds are also expected to pick up, particularly in exposed coastal areas and on higher ground. Gusts could reach 30-40 mph, which, combined with the heavy rain, will make outdoor conditions feel particularly unpleasant and could contribute to reduced visibility for drivers. Despite the unsettled weather, temperatures are expected to remain relatively mild for the time of year, generally ranging from 12-16 degrees Celsius across the warned areas.
The Met Office advises the public to check local flood alerts and warnings from the Environment Agency in England, Natural Resources Wales, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). Motorists are encouraged to drive with caution, reduce speed, and be aware of spray and standing water on roads. Public transport users should check for service updates before travelling, as disruptions are possible.