South West heavy rain warning as weekend washout forecast

Toby Codd
·4-min read
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


A yellow weather warning for rain has been issud for the South West this weekend. It comes as freezing temperatures continue to grip the region with snow on the radar in the coming days.

The Met Office rain warning is in place from 6am on Saturday (November 23) until 6am on Sunday. It covers large parts of Devon and Cornwall, but excludes Somersert.

The Exeter-based forecaster is warning of heavy rainfall and potential flooding across the area affected.Forecasters expect up to 125mm of rain to fall on Dartmoor.

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While Somerset is not covered by the rain warning, the Met Office is forecasting a wet and windy weekend for the county. There is a greater than 95 per cent chance of heavy rain on Saturday morning in Somerset from 6am to midday, with a 90 per cent chance from midday until 9am on Sunday. Gusts of wind of up to 50mph are also forecast

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Neil Armstrong said: “With cold Arctic air firmly in place over the UK, continued winter hazards are likely through much of this week, with further updates to warnings likely in the coming days.

“The current focus for upcoming snow and ice risk is from later on Tuesday and overnight into Wednesday, with snow showers likely moving in off windward coasts in the north and east, as well as drifting into parts of Northern Ireland and Wales.

“In excess of 10cm of snow is possible over higher ground within the warning areas, with 1-2cm possibly settling at lower levels, which has the potential to lead to some travel disruption. Ice is an additional hazard and is likely to form quickly on untreated surfaces.”

The Met Office added: "Temperatures are likely to increase from the southwest this weekend, though this will be accompanied by some strong winds and heavy rain. There’s also likely to be further snowfall in the north for a time, mainly over higher ground, as part of the transition to the milder regime, with further detail likely on this element of the forecast in the coming days."

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “A deep area of low pressure looks likely to influence the UK’s weather this weekend. While this will bring in milder air to most parts, it also brings with it some heavy rain and strong winds at times. It’s too early for precise detail, but there’s a potential for further warnings.”

Meanwhile, a cold weather health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remains in place until 6pm on Saturday (November 23). Officials have warned that conditions could be dangerous for vulnerable people, including the elderly.

The Met Office said: "Heavy rain may cause some travel disruption and flooding this weekend." The forecaster added: "A deep area of low pressure is expected to bring a spell of prolonged and, at times, heavy rainfall across a large part of the UK this weekend.

"Across southwest England, rain is expected to develop during Saturday morning with heavier rain likely later in the day and overnight into early Sunday morning. 50-75 mm of rain is expected to fall fairly widely during this time with a chance that some places over Dartmoor could see 100-125 mm. Strong southerly winds will accompany the heavy rain and may locally exacerbate impacts."

The forecaster has outlined what to expect during the rain warning:

  • There is a slight chance of power cuts and loss of other services to some homes and businesses

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded, causing damage to some buildings

  • Where flooding occurs, there is a slight chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services

  • Spray and flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

  • There is a small chance that some communities will become cut off by flooded roads

A yellow rain warning has been issued
A yellow rain warning has been issued
Met Office 5-day forecast for the South West

Today: A bright day with prolonged sunny spells, though cloud building in the west later. Occasional showers, wintry over the Moors, gradually easing during the day with many staying dry. Feeling cold in a brisk northerly wind. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Tonight: Dry throughout Wednesday evening as winds ease. Rain and perhaps hill snow arriving in the west during the early hours of Thursday. Frosty in the east but chilly for all. Minimum temperature -2 °C.

Thursday: A wet day with rain spreading across the region along, turning to snow over the Moors. Feeling rather cold again, with blustery winds around coasts at times. Maximum temperature 7 °C.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Frosty start to Friday with wintry showers easing and sunny spells emerging. Becoming wet and windy into the weekend, perhaps with hill snow for a time, but also turning milder.

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