Parts of the UK have been issued a yellow national severe weather warning for rain at the beginning of the upcoming week by the Met Office. An Atlantic system is set to approach from the southwest, bringing heavy rain and strong winds on Monday, December 1, leading to potential travel disruptions and challenging driving conditions. Southern regions of the UK are expected to bear the brunt of the rainfall, with coastal areas likely to experience gale-force winds.
The Met Office has forecast a band of intense rain moving across central-southern and southeast England throughout the day, possibly extending into the morning of Tuesday, December 2. Rainfall amounts between 20 to 30 millimetres are anticipated across the warned areas, with localized higher levels up to 50 to 60 millimetres over the North and South Downs. Strong winds, potentially reaching gale force, are expected to accompany the rainfall, especially along the coast.
Heavy rain is predicted to sweep in from the southwest of England late on Sunday, November 30, becoming widespread across the region by early Monday, before clearing eastward later in the day. Accumulations of 20 to 30 millimetres of rain are likely across a broad area, with higher levels of 60 to 80 millimetres expected on Dartmoor and 40 to 50 millimetres in regions like Exmoor, Dorset, the Mendips, and Cotswolds. Coastal areas near the English Channel could also experience strong southwesterly winds.
South Wales is also expected to face a spell of heavy rainfall between late Sunday and Monday afternoon. Rainfall totals will vary, but significant and persistent rain is anticipated over elevated terrain. Rainfall amounts of 20 to 30 millimetres are forecast for the wider region, with up to 60 to 80 millimetres likely on windward-facing high ground in south Wales. Strong southwesterly winds, particularly along the coast, are expected to be felt.
The Met Office is actively monitoring the situation, and updates to the forecasts will be provided as the weather conditions evolve.