The Met Office has issued an amber warning for heavy rain in parts of northwest England and northern Wales, including Manchester and Liverpool. The warning is in effect for 24 hours from midday on Wednesday. A yellow warning for rain covers the north of England, the Midlands, and north and central Wales until 6 am on Thursday. Another yellow warning is in place for southern and eastern Scotland from midday on Wednesday until 6 pm on Thursday.
Fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely, and there is a good chance that some communities may become cut off, experience power cuts, and witness cancellations of train and bus services.
Heavy rain is expected to cause disruptions across the UK, with a warning that flooding in some areas could pose a danger to life. Much of the south coast is likely to see lightning, with a yellow warning for thunderstorms in place from 8 am until 7 pm on Wednesday.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill stated, “Some areas are really going to see a lot of heavy, persistent rain through a big chunk of Wednesday.” He added, “It is going to be a pretty wet picture as we go through the rest of the week for many places. There is some uncertainty as to exactly where we are going to see the heaviest rain and where is most likely to be impacted.”
Many places could see 30-40mm of rain, while a few areas may receive 60-80mm. There is even a small chance that some upland areas could see up to 150mm.
Scientists have linked climate change to the increased intensity of downpours. A warmer atmosphere holds more water vapour, which is a key factor in driving heavier rainfall.
Chief meteorologist Andy Page said that areas exposed to strengthening northerly winds are most likely to see the highest rainfall. Northern areas are expected to remain cloudy and wet on Thursday, but southern parts can anticipate drier conditions, with sunshine becoming more widespread by the end of the week. The news is better for bank holiday Monday, which is expected to be dry for much of the country, feeling warm in the sunshine.
