Relentless rainfall over the past 37 days in a UK region has put the area on high alert for ongoing flooding. Somerset is one of the regions facing over 100 high-level flood warnings and more than 250 flood alerts across England. The Environment Agency has issued 15 major alerts for Somerset and surrounding areas due to the risk of significant flooding.
The Met Office reported that southwest England and southern Wales have experienced continuous rainfall since the beginning of the year, with a 50% increase in precipitation compared to the usual levels for January. The Environment Agency’s current flood warnings cover various areas, including A361 East Lyng to Burrowbridge and the River Parrett at Langport Westover Trading Estate.
Major flood warnings are also in effect near Salisbury, Bournemouth, Christchurch, Chertsey, Northampton, Peterborough, and Birmingham. The Environment Agency website provides a detailed list of all current warnings.
Although there are no severe flood warnings currently in place, the Met Office has warned of ongoing gloomy weather conditions. A yellow weather alert for rain has been issued for certain areas of Scotland, with further rain expected in the upcoming days.
The forecast for the following week indicates continued unsettled weather, with more rain expected, especially in eastern Scotland, southwest England, and possibly Northern Ireland. Colder temperatures are predicted for the north, with a chance of snowfall.
Looking ahead to mid-February, the Met Office anticipates predominantly cyclonic weather patterns across the UK, with occasional colder conditions bringing the potential for snow in the north and northeast. While some respite from the wet weather may occur in southern regions, unsettled weather with rain and possible strong winds is expected to persist.
