Dozens of regions in the UK are bracing for heavy rainfall today, equivalent to a month’s worth of rain, leading to potential flooding and thunderstorms. Residents in southern England and South Wales are expected to experience significant rainfall amounts, varying between 20-30mm in some areas and up to 40-60mm within a span of six to nine hours.
Cities like Plymouth in Devon and Southampton are likely to receive rainfall nearing their typical monthly averages for September. The yellow rain warning covers areas from Cornwall to South Wales and Herefordshire, extending to West and East Sussex. The Met Office also issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for a large portion of southern England and East Anglia, while northeast Scotland faces a separate rain warning.
Coastal gales, especially along the English Channel coasts, are anticipated along with heavy rain and strong winds moving northeastward. The Met Office mentioned that heavy showers and thunderstorms will follow, becoming less frequent later in the day.
Around 42 areas across 13 counties are expected to be impacted by the heavy rain, with official flood alerts issued for Devon, particularly near the River Axe. Residents in the warned areas are advised to prepare flood plans and emergency kits, including essentials like torches, first aid supplies, medications, water, and radios.
The weather forecast for the UK indicates widespread rain in the afternoon, although less intense along the south coast compared to previous days. The Met Office predicts heavy, blustery showers with possible coastal gales, maintaining near-average temperatures moderated by strong winds.
As the day progresses, conditions are expected to improve slightly, with drier weather for most regions overnight, except for persistent rain affecting Shetland. Clear spells are likely to develop overnight, with heavy showers reemerging in the south.