The Met Office has issued a comprehensive yellow warning for heavy rain, set to impact 34 counties across England starting from Thursday evening. The warning, which comes into effect at 6pm on Thursday, 21st March, will persist for 30 hours until midnight on Friday, 22nd March, alerting residents and commuters to the potential for significant disruption.
Forecasters are predicting rainfall totals of between 30mm and 40mm quite widely across the warning area, with some localised spots potentially seeing as much as 50mm to 60mm. This volume of rain, falling over an extended period, raises concerns for localised flooding, particularly in areas with saturated ground or poor drainage. The heavy downpours are also expected to lead to challenging driving conditions, with reduced visibility and standing water on roads.
The geographical scope of the warning is extensive, covering a broad swathe of England. Affected regions stretch from the South West, including counties such as Cornwall, Devon, and Somerset, through parts of the Midlands like Warwickshire and Northamptonshire, and extending northwards to areas of the North East, encompassing counties such as North Yorkshire and County Durham. London and the South East are also included within the warning boundaries, suggesting widespread impact.
While England is bracing for this period of wet weather, the Met Office has not issued any similar warnings for other parts of the UK. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland are currently forecast to experience more settled, albeit potentially cloudy, conditions during this timeframe. Temperatures across the UK are expected to remain mild for the time of year, generally ranging between 8°C and 12°C, though feeling cooler in the persistent rain and a light to moderate breeze of 10-15 mph.
Authorities are advising residents in the affected areas to prepare for potential travel delays and to exercise caution. Commuters are encouraged to check local traffic updates before travelling and to allow extra time for their journeys. Homeowners in flood-prone areas may wish to take precautionary measures to protect their properties. The Met Office will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.