The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for a significant portion of England and Wales as the South West prepares for an extended period of heavy rain. Forecasts indicate that parts of the region, notably Devon, could experience up to 30 hours of continuous rainfall, beginning late on Friday and persisting throughout Saturday.
This prolonged spell of wet weather carries a risk of localised flooding, particularly in areas with saturated ground or poor drainage. The warning, which extends across much of the southern half of England and all of Wales, highlights the potential for disruption to travel, including longer journey times for road and public transport users. There is also a possibility of power cuts and impacts on other services.
Temperatures across the affected regions are expected to remain relatively mild for the time of year. In the South West, daytime temperatures are forecast to hover between 9°C and 12°C, with overnight lows not dipping much below 7°C. Wind speeds are generally anticipated to be moderate, typically between 10-20 mph, though gusts could be stronger in exposed coastal areas.
Beyond the immediate South West, other parts of the UK will also see unsettled conditions. Northern England and Scotland can expect a mix of showers and brighter spells, with temperatures in Scotland ranging from 6°C to 10°C. Wales, falling within the yellow warning area, will experience similar heavy rain to the South West. Northern Ireland is forecast to have a cloudier weekend with intermittent rain, and temperatures around 8°C to 11°C.
The Met Office advises residents in affected areas to take precautionary measures. This includes checking local flood warnings, clearing drains and gutters around properties, and avoiding unnecessary travel if conditions become severe. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, anticipate spray and difficult driving conditions, and be aware of potential standing water on roads.
Source: Met Office