If you’ve been enjoying the recent spell of mild, springlike weather, make the most of it today—because tomorrow is set to bring chaos. A massive low-pressure system is rolling in from the Atlantic, and the Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, forecasting relentless rain and howling winds.
A Sunday Washout: Heavy Rain on the Way
A yellow weather warning has been issued for prolonged and heavy rainfall, expected to last more than 12 hours in some areas. The deluge will begin around 10 AM on Sunday, hammering Wales and surrounding regions before finally easing at 10 PM.
Weather maps indicate that the most intense downpours will hit the southwest and southeast of the country, where rainfall will be heaviest over high ground. The Met Office warning states:
“A broad band of rain will push east during Sunday, bringing a spell of around nine to 12 hours of heavy rain. The rain will set in around mid-morning and not clear until evening. The rain will be heaviest over high ground, especially over south or southwest-facing hills. 60-90mm of rain is likely in these wettest, most exposed locations with 30-50mm expected widely across the warning area.”
With such intense rainfall, flooding is a serious concern. The Met Office has warned that homes and businesses could be impacted, with a risk of structural damage. Fast-flowing or deep floodwaters are possible, posing a danger to life.
Areas covered by the rain warning include: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.
Storm-Force Winds to Follow
As if torrential rain wasn’t enough, a separate wind warning has also been issued, covering the same regions from 7 AM to 7 PM on Sunday.
Winds will build throughout the morning, peaking between late morning and early afternoon with gusts reaching 50-60mph, and potentially 70mph in exposed coastal areas and high ground.
A Met Office forecast states:
“Southerly to southwesterly winds are expected to increase through Sunday morning, peaking late morning to early afternoon with gusts of 50-60mph, and perhaps as much as 70mph in exposed spots along Irish Sea coastlines, Scottish Islands, and other areas of high ground further inland. Rain will accompany strong winds, which will make for very poor weather conditions, especially on roads. Winds will then ease from southwest to northeast of the warning area through the afternoon and early evening.”
With the combination of heavy rain and strong winds, conditions will be treacherous for travel, especially on roads. Drivers should take extra caution and prepare for potential road closures or delays due to flooding and debris.
What’s Next?
For those outside the warning zones, the weather will still be unsettled, with blustery showers and intermittent rain. Some eastern regions may escape the worst of the storm until later in the day. Looking ahead, the UK’s westerly weather pattern is expected to persist into next week, bringing further showers and longer spells of rain. After the recent mild spell, temperatures will drop closer to average.
Final Warning: Stay Alert & Stay Safe!
The Met Office urges residents to prepare for a stormy Sunday, with potential flooding, travel disruptions, and hazardous conditions. If you have plans for outdoor activities, it might be best to reschedule or take necessary precautions.
Brace yourself—the storm is coming!
