The Met Office has raised the alarm for the start of the new week, issuing three separate weather warnings for Monday, December 1st. A combination of yellow and amber alerts signals a day of potentially severe conditions, with torrential downpours and powerful winds forecast to sweep across significant parts of the country.
Areas Affected and Warning Details
The first of the yellow warnings is set to be active from midnight on Monday until 3am on Tuesday, December 2nd. This alert covers Derbyshire in the East Midlands, alongside parts of North West England and Yorkshire. Forecasters predict that 20-40 mm of rain will fall widely across this region, leading to difficult driving conditions.
A second yellow warning, running concurrently, has been issued for Hampshire, Southampton, and areas of South West England, Wales, and Herefordshire. These locations are bracing for 20-30mm of rainfall accompanied by strong winds. The situation is expected to be particularly intense over the North and South Downs, where rainfall could reach a staggering 50 to 60 millimetres. Coastal areas are likely to experience gale-force gusts.
Amber Alert for South Wales
The most severe alert, an amber warning, is in place for a stretch of Wales, including the major cities of Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea. This warning is valid for the entire day on Monday, from midnight until 11.59pm. Residents in these areas should prepare for heavy, persistent rain and strong south to southwesterly winds, which will be most forceful along the coast.
The Met Office has emphasised that the wet and windy weather is likely to cause significant travel disruption. The public should be prepared for difficult driving conditions and a risk of flooding in some areas. The southern parts of the UK are expected to bear the brunt of the heaviest rainfall.
Staying Informed
The national weather service has stated it is closely monitoring developments and will provide updates as the situation evolves. With the potential for gale-force winds along exposed coasts and widespread rainfall, the public is advised to stay informed with the latest forecasts and travel advice before venturing out on Monday.
