Major rain system barrels toward UK this weekend with huge downpour forecast

24 February 2024 , 07:10

887     0

More rain is on its way this weekend (Image: PA)

Britain is set to be drenched in a major downpour today thanks to a low pressure system moving towards us.

The start of the weekend could be a washout for millions of people as the clouds move in, bringing with it heavy rain as today begins. The conditions are hoped to improve as the afternoon arrives as temperatures hover around average for this time of the year.

Weather maps show the area of low pressure moving in from the west. As it sweeps across the country it will drag rain with it, further drenching the country after days of wet conditions.

The Met Office ’s forecast says: “A mix of sunny spells and showers, although many of the showers fading away as we move into the afternoon. Temperatures around average for late February with mainly light winds.

“A cold start to Saturday, with some frost and patchy mist and fog in places. A few showers around, otherwise largely dry and bright. Breezy in the far southwest, light winds elsewhere.”

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

For Sunday and into the new week it added: “A band of rain likely to move across southern areas during Sunday, with northern areas likely dry. Many places dry on Monday before rain returns to the north during Tuesday.”

Maps show the pressure on its way (WXCHARTS)

It comes after a deluge of rain hit the country this week, with huge swathes of the country under a yellow warning. As things stand this morning, there are no weather warnings in place for the next few days. In addition to the warnings, there were also hundreds of flood alerts in place across England and Wales. Currently, there are 67 floor warnings across England, with hundreds more flood alerts.

The Environment Agency says flood warnings means people should act as flooding is expected and people should move family and pets to safety as well as moving important items. They added: “Call 999 if you’re in immediate danger and follow advice from the emergency services and evacuate if you’re told to do so.

The conditions are hoped to improve in the afternoon (WXCHARTS)

“Make sure you have an emergency kit including a torch, spare batteries, mobile phone and charger, warm clothes, important numbers like your home insurance, water, food, first aid kit and any medicines and babycare items you may need. Alert neighbours and offer help if it's safe to do so.”

Antony Clements-Thrower