The Met Office has issued a stark weather warning for large parts of the UK this Sunday, 23rd June, as heavy rain bears down on the country. A yellow alert will come into effect from early morning, with potentially significant rainfall causing disruption to residents and travellers alike.
Across England, numerous counties are in the firing line, including much of the South West, stretching across the Midlands, and into parts of the North West and North East. Specific concerns have been raised for saturated regions such as Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, and Dorset, where localised flooding is a major worry. Further east, counties like Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire are also included, alongside Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and parts of Greater Manchester and Merseyside.
Wales is also largely under the yellow warning, with all regions from Anglesey down to Cardiff and Swansea expected to experience heavy rain. The Met Office anticipates that rainfall totals could widely reach between 20-30mm over a 12-hour period, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 50mm, particularly over higher ground. Such volumes of rain in a relatively short timeframe increase the likelihood of surface water flooding and difficult driving conditions.
In Scotland, the warning primarily affects the southern reaches, including parts of the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. While the heaviest rain is forecast for England and Wales, these southern Scottish regions should also prepare for persistent wet weather. Northern Ireland, however, currently remains outside the scope of this particular warning, with forecasts indicating a largely drier, albeit cloudy, Sunday.
Alongside the heavy rain, there is a possibility of moderate wind gusts, particularly in exposed coastal areas, which could further complicate conditions for those travelling. Temperatures are expected to remain mild, ranging from 12-15 degrees Celsius across the affected areas. The Met Office advises the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts, plan journeys accordingly, and be aware of potential hazards such as flooded roads and reduced visibility.
Practical safety advice includes allowing extra time for travel, reducing speed on the roads, and avoiding driving through floodwater. Homeowners in flood-prone areas may wish to take precautionary measures to protect their properties. The warning is expected to remain in place until late Sunday evening, with conditions gradually improving into Monday.
Source: Met Office