Residents along the southern coast of England and parts of south Wales are gearing up for another spell of wet weather as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning for Thursday. This follows the recent onslaught from Storm Debi, with forecasts indicating 30-40mm of rain, particularly impacting the south coast and east-facing slopes. Additional rainfall, ranging from 10-20mm, is expected more widely across the affected regions.
The weather warning is set from midnight to 6 pm and encompasses the entire English south coast, including Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, East and West Sussex, as well as significant portions of Kent and Hampshire. In southern Wales, urban areas are also likely to feel the effects of this weather system.
The aftermath of Storm Debi continues to pose challenges, with potential localised flooding and travel disruptions expected during the morning rush hour in the South West and in the afternoon across the South East.
A meteorologist at the Met Office provided insights into the evolving weather patterns, explaining, “Regarding the rain, it will gradually spread from the South West through the latter part of this evening and the early part of Thursday morning, tracking its way eastwards. Clearing away towards the southeast will be a gradual process throughout the afternoon, hence the warning concluding at 6 pm.”
Accompanying the rainfall are strong winds, with coastal areas expecting gusts of up to 50mph and a potential for 60mph gusts in specific regions. The strongest winds are forecasted for the morning, gradually easing as the day progresses.
While the southern regions contend with the wet conditions, the northern half of the country can expect a drier day with intermittent sunshine. However, an organized band of showers is predicted to sweep across certain areas during the afternoon and evening before tapering off.
The meteorologist added that much of the rainfall across the entire country is expected to subside overnight, making Friday potentially the driest day of the week. Northern and eastern areas can anticipate plenty of sunshine, providing relief from the recent turbulent weather.
The Met Office advises residents and commuters in the affected regions to exercise caution, especially during the specified warning period. Staying informed about local weather updates, road conditions, and potential flood alerts is crucial for minimizing the impact of adverse weather conditions.
As communities grapple with the aftermath of Storm Debi and prepare for the upcoming weather challenges, it is imperative for residents to remain vigilant, follow safety guidelines, and stay updated on the evolving weather situation.
