The Met Office has issued a new yellow weather warning for heavy rain, set to impact various regions of the UK from Friday evening through to Saturday morning. The warning, which comes into effect at 6pm on Friday, 14th June, and lasts until 6am on Saturday, 15th June, highlights the potential for significant rainfall to cause disruption.
Affected areas primarily include parts of England, particularly the South West, Midlands, and northern regions, along with much of Wales and Northern Ireland. While Scotland is not currently under this specific yellow warning, residents in all areas are encouraged to remain vigilant for localised heavy showers that could still occur.
Forecasters anticipate that between 30-40mm of rain could fall within the warning period, with isolated areas, particularly over higher ground, potentially experiencing up to 50-60mm. This volume of rain, falling on already saturated ground in some places, increases the risk of localised flooding of homes and businesses, as well as difficult driving conditions and potential delays to public transport services.
The Met Office advises the public to exercise caution, particularly when travelling. Drivers should be aware of reduced visibility and surface water, which can lead to hazardous conditions. It is also recommended to check local flood alerts and warnings issued by the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales, and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).
Temperatures during the warning period are expected to remain mild, ranging from approximately 10-14 degrees Celsius, but the focus remains on the rainfall. Wind speeds are generally forecast to be light to moderate, typically between 10-15 mph, though gustier conditions could accompany heavier downpours.
The warning serves as a timely reminder for communities to prepare for adverse weather, ensuring drains are clear where possible and securing outdoor items. Further updates and more localised forecasts will be available from the Met Office throughout the weekend.
Source: Met Office