The Met Office has advised residents in seven areas to prepare an emergency flood kit as heavy rainfall is expected to sweep across the UK next week.
A yellow weather warning for rain has been issued by the national weather agency for parts of south-west England, starting from midday on Monday until 9 am on Tuesday.
The warning highlights the possibility of up to 50mm of rain in some areas, leading to fast-flowing floodwater that could pose a threat to life. The Met Office has cautioned that train and bus services may be disrupted due to flooding, and road closures are also likely.
Communities could potentially be isolated by flooded roads, and power cuts are a potential risk, according to the Met Office warning. Residents in flood-prone areas are advised to prepare an emergency flood kit and ensure they have essential items like torches, batteries, and a mobile phone power pack to deal with power outages.
The Met Office forecasts additional rain showers today and tomorrow in various regions, with temperatures expected to hover around seasonal averages in most places over the weekend. However, colder conditions and snow are anticipated in the north-east.
Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Dan Holley, explained that a persistent jet stream will bring more low-pressure systems from the North Atlantic, resulting in continued rainy conditions and possible flooding in vulnerable areas. Some areas in the north may also experience hill snow as colder air interacts with the wet weather.
The BBC’s weather forecast indicates that today will be mostly cloudy with rain and showers in many areas, while southern and eastern parts of England may see some sunshine. Tonight is expected to be cloudy and mild with scattered light rain and showers, especially in Northern Ireland. Tomorrow will bring another cloudy day with rain for most regions, although Northern Ireland, Wales, and western England may see drier spells and some sunshine in the afternoon.