The UK is in for a soggy start to 2024, as the Met Office warns of heavy rain and strong winds set to blanket the country. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for western Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, where up to 40mm of rain could fall in just 12 hours.
Residents returning to work or braving the roads after Christmas will face challenging conditions, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 11°C but feeling much colder due to gusts of 40-50 mph in exposed coastal areas. In some localised spots, particularly in Scotland and Northern Ireland, winds could reach even higher speeds.
The north of England, including Cumbria and Lancashire, are likely to bear the brunt of the heaviest downpours, leading to a risk of flooding on roads and in low-lying areas. Wales will also experience widespread rain and strong winds, particularly in western and upland regions.
As the Met Office advises, the public should be prepared for potential travel delays, especially on exposed routes and ferry services. Strong gusts could bring down small branches and disrupt power supplies in isolated incidents, while pedestrians and cyclists are urged to exercise caution due to slippery surfaces.
The unsettled weather follows a wet December, with low-pressure systems from the Atlantic driving conditions. While there's no risk of severe life-threatening weather, the cumulative effect of rain on saturated ground increases the likelihood of localised issues.
Looking ahead, while conditions may become slightly more stable by mid-week, further periods of rain and wind are still possible. The Met Office encourages staying up-to-date with their latest forecasts and warnings for the latest information.
Source: Met Office