Met Office issues UK weather warning as rain hammers multiple regions until Saturday

The Met Office has released a new Yellow National Severe Weather Warning for rain for Friday into Saturday morning, covering much of England and Wales. Warnings for wet weather this week were already in place for Wednesday and Thursday.

Flooding and travel disruption are likely, with some areas expected to see a month's worth of rainfall in just 24 hours.

Low pressure systems have dominated the UK's weather this week, with persistent rain and strong winds already affecting many regions.

Warnings remain in place for Wednesday and Thursday, particularly for southern Wales and southwest England, where further heavy rain is expected. In southern Wales, widespread rainfall of 15-25mm is likely, with some exposed south-facing hills possibly receiving 30-40mm.

Similarly, southwest England will see pulses of heavy rain throughout Wednesday, while northern England and Scotland will experience rain later in the day.

Temperatures will remain mild in the south but cooler in northern Scotland, with frost and wind chills developing overnight.

By Thursday, rain will continue across Northern Ireland, southern Scotland, and northern England, gradually easing in northern regions while returning to southern areas by evening.

Friday into Saturday sees the development of a new weather system from the south, bringing prolonged and heavy rainfall.

Met Office warns that 30-50mm of rain could fall widely across the warning area, with some locations seeing 60-80mm, and over 100mm possible on east-facing hills in southeast Wales.

Strong easterly winds will accompany the rain, with gusts potentially exceeding 60mph in parts of west and northwest Wales.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "Heavy rain will affect a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday.

"With saturated ground from earlier rainfall, we expect surface water and river flooding, as well as difficult travelling conditions. Areas of southeast Wales, the Midlands, and parts of southern England are most at risk."

Natural Resources Wales echoed the warnings, urging residents to check flood risks and prepare. They said: "Rivers are already swollen and the ground saturated. Flood alerts and warnings are expected. Keep away from riverbanks and never drive or walk through flood water."

The weekend will bring drier and brighter conditions to the north, although southern areas will remain mild and cloudy before rain eases. Next week is expected to be colder, particularly in the north and east, with brisk northerly winds intensifying the chill.

Residents are advised to stay updated with the latest forecasts, check their flood risk, and take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and property as the stormy spell continues.