The Met Office has issued a series of yellow weather warnings for rain across large parts of the UK early next week, with forecasters warning of travel disruption, flooding and strong winds.
Heavy downpours are expected to sweep across Wales, the South West and the South East of England, bringing the risk of hazardous conditions on the roads and delays to public transport.
According to the Met Office, the first warning comes into effect from midnight until 3pm on Monday for the South West and Wales, where “heavy rain is likely to bring some disruption and possible flooding”. A second warning covers the South East from 8am on Monday until 6am on Tuesday.
Forecasters say some areas of South Wales and South West England could see as much as **80mm of rainfall** on Monday, while 50–60mm is possible over the North and South Downs. Most parts of Wales and England are expected to receive 20–30mm of rain, with the heaviest totals likely over higher ground, where there is a chance of 60–80mm falling.
The Met Office added that strong winds — potentially reaching gale force in coastal areas — will accompany the heavy rain, increasing the risk of large waves and difficult driving conditions.
The unsettled weather is set to continue into Tuesday morning, with a yellow weather warning for rain remaining in place across southern England until 6am. This follows an earlier warning issued from 6am on Saturday until midnight, covering the East Midlands, East of England, London, southern England, the South West, Yorkshire and Wales.
The Met Office has warned that spray and surface water could make journey times longer, and there is a chance of delays to bus and train services. Forecasters have also said there is a small chance of “flooding and power cuts” in the worst-affected areas.
Strong winds may also develop alongside the heavy rain on Saturday night, particularly across eastern parts of England.
