Met Office Forecasts End of UK’s Heavy Rainfall

The United Kingdom is experiencing prolonged heavy rainfall with no immediate end in sight, according to forecasters. The Met Office has issued a yellow rain warning for the West Midlands, as well as parts of southern England and Wales. This warning is effective until 9 PM on Friday.

The United Kingdom has been under consistent rain since the beginning of 2026. South West England and South Wales have reported 50% more rainfall than the usual January average. England overall received 150% of its long-term average rainfall last month, with the South West reaching up to 184%.

Recent Rainfall Statistics

• South East England recorded 32% of its February average rainfall within the first three days of the month.
• Rainfall varied from 13mm in eastern England to 43mm in the South West from January 28 to February 3.
• Exeter Airport and several other locations have seen rain every day since the start of the year.
• Aberdeen went nearly two weeks without any sunshine, experiencing just 1% of its expected sunlight for February.

Persistent Weather Patterns

The current weather issues are attributed to the jet stream, which is unusually meandering southward. This pattern has trapped bands of low pressure over the UK, leading to ongoing rainfall. In contrast, Scandinavia is experiencing settled, dry conditions due to a high-pressure area.

Despite the consistent downpours, some areas, like northwest Scotland, have reported drier conditions. However, forecasters indicate that rain will hit southern and western parts of the UK again by Sunday.

Upcoming Forecast

The weather outlook remains grim, with more rain anticipated in the coming days. Drier and brighter spells may occur intermittently, but heavy downpours are expected to persist, particularly in the southern regions. There’s also a risk of colder conditions and potential wintry hazards by the end of next week.

Comparative Weather Events

Similar heavy rainfall patterns are being observed across Spain and Portugal. Storm Marta recently affected these regions, contributing to exceptionally high rainfall totals in January.

Warnings and Precautions

A yellow rain warning is currently in place for Northern Ireland until midnight Friday. Areas expected to receive significant rainfall include:

• South West England: Up to 50mm in higher regions.
• Wales: Widespread rain with potential for 30mm downpours.
• Northern Ireland: Some areas may see up to 80mm of rain.

The weather forecast indicates that until weather patterns stabilize, residents should prepare for continuing rain and potential flooding. It’s essential to stay informed and take precautions as needed.