UK weather forecast: Warnings for heavy rain and flooding for parts of UK over weekend

‘There will be some lively weather and some lively impacts’

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and gales are expected to hit much of the UK this weekend, bringing the likelihood of travel delays and property damage.

Yellow weather warnings for “persistent, heavy rain” are in place in Wales and north England from 6pm on Saturday through to Sunday evening, while flood alerts have been issued in Scotland, the Midlands and the south coast.

The Met Office said it was likely flooding and rain in Wales and north England could damage some homes and businesses, cause travel disruption and affect power supplies and other services.

Much of the UK has been beset with wet and windy weather this week as a result of the much-diminished Hurricane Humberto crossing the Atlantic Ocean.

This looks set to continue on Friday, with thunderstorms and 40mph winds in some parts. Patches of sunshine are expected to break through the gloomier weather throughout the day.

After a mildly tempestuous night, Saturday is predicted to be dry and bright in some parts, although northern England will likely see heavy and prolonged showers.

“Scotland has the best of the weather for Saturday with plenty of dry and bright weather away from the far north,” said Aidan McGivern, a Met Office meteorologist.

“It’s going to be breezy further south with a brisk wind making it feel cool. It will strengthen later in the day ahead of this deepening area of low pressure that will bring more wet weather into western parts of England and Wales.”

However, by Saturday evening, more severe weather will begin to move in from the southwest, bringing a predicted 40mm of rainfall in just a few hours on Saturday night in affected areas.

The fairly mild temperatures forecasted during the day will drop drastically overnight in some areas, particularly in the north of Scotland.

While the west bears the brunt of the flood risk on Sunday, that risk transfers to the North Sea coast ending the day, Mr McGivern said.

“That all coincides with high tides this weekend – so risk of spray, risk of coastal overtopping of these waves,” he added.

“All of that with the strengthening wind means there will be some lively weather and some lively impacts through the coastal parts of the country on Saturday night and Sunday.”