Met Office issues a 27-hour warning for Wales as heavy rainfall hits several areas, forcing road closures due to flooding. The warning covers 16 regions of Wales as persistent rain continues to batter the country, with Cardiff and Milford Haven experiencing significant rainfall totals. Swansea’s Fabian Way had to be shut this morning due to flooding, impacting motorists leaving the city.
In the last 24 hours leading up to Thursday, Cardiff received 34mm of rain, while Milford Haven recorded 22mm. Another yellow warning is in effect from 6 am Thursday to 9 am Friday, cautioning about heavy showers that could result in 10 to 15 mm of rain per hour in some areas, with potential totals reaching 30mm within a few hours. The Met Office forecasts 20-30 mm of rain in two to three hours, and possibly 40-60 mm within three to six hours in certain locations.
The weather forecast for Wales indicates a cloudy start on Thursday morning, with rain becoming more persistent in the afternoon. Brighter spells may appear in the south amid heavy, potentially thundery showers. Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 16°C with mostly light winds, although coastal areas may experience breezier conditions in the afternoon. Rain will continue into the evening, becoming heavy in places, but drying up later with clear spells and minimum temperatures around 6°C.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen highlights the increased risks posed by the ongoing heavy rainfall on already saturated ground, with further warnings possibly being issued. The most severe conditions are anticipated in the Pennines and North York Moors, where 80-100mm of rain could accumulate on Thursday. Other regions in the warning area may see 20-30mm widely. The Met Office advises staying updated on the latest forecasts as additional weather warnings may be issued in the upcoming days.
Following more rain in central and southern UK on Friday, a cooler trend is expected nationwide over the weekend, with frost potential overnight. A north-westerly airflow will introduce cooler Arctic air before a subsequent low-pressure system brings wet and windy conditions from Sunday onwards. Details on the exact conditions are pending refinement, urging the public to stay informed on the evolving forecast.