The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for parts of south and mid-Wales, covering areas from Newport to Carmarthen and as far north as Brecon, as torrential rain battered the region. The alert, in place from Sunday afternoon until early Monday, warned of severe flooding and major travel disruption, with forecasters predicting up to 100mm (4 inches) of rainfall in the most exposed hilly areas of Wales.
A “danger to life” warning was issued, urging residents to take extreme caution as deep floodwaters and heavy downpours continued overnight into Monday. Additional yellow weather warnings for rain were also in force across south-west England and much of southern and central Wales, as concerns mounted over treacherous conditions on the roads and rising river levels.
The Environment Agency advised the public against driving through floodwaters, warning that just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move a vehicle. Officials have urged those in flood-prone areas to sign up for free flood alerts and stay informed as conditions remain volatile. By Monday afternoon, the south and southeast of England were expected to see further torrential downpours, with the heavy rain spreading northeast into parts of the Midlands later in the day. At the latest count, 13 flood warnings and 84 flood alerts were in place, with authorities closely monitoring the situation.
Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland, which endured stormy conditions over the weekend, were forecast to see lighter showers, offering some respite. However, the UK’s unsettled weather pattern is set to continue, with periods of heavy rain lingering in several areas before conditions begin to improve later in the day.
Met Office meteorologist Kathryn Chalk stated in a video forecast that, after a turbulent Sunday, much of the UK could expect spells of sunshine throughout Monday. However, she warned that heavy rainfall would persist in some areas, making for a difficult and damp morning commute. “The rain will gradually move eastward, giving way to brighter skies behind it,” she said, though scattered showers are expected to linger, particularly in southern England, London, and East Anglia. Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could also see heavy showers with the potential for thunderstorms.
Temperatures are set to be slightly milder compared to Sunday, with highs of 14°C in the southeast. However, a north-westerly wind shift overnight will bring colder conditions, potentially leading to frost by Tuesday morning. With the unsettled weather continuing, forecasters are urging the public to stay updated on warnings and take precautions against further disruption.
