Heavy rain, commencing on the first day of the meteorological winter, is set to cause flooding and transport disruption across large parts of the United Kingdom on Monday. The Met Office has issued an Amber severe weather warning for South Wales, where the ground is already highly saturated following a record wet November. Nearly a month's worth of rain could fall during the day, posing a risk of extensive inundation and a danger to life, reports The WP Times with reference to BBC.
The Amber warning remains in effect for South Wales until 21:00 GMT. Widespread rainfall of 20–40mm is anticipated here, but south-west facing hills could see precipitation totals reach nearly 120mm (4.7 inches). Given that the average December rainfall for South Wales and South West England is only 152mm, this volume of rain threatens significant flooding, disruption to road and rail networks, loss of power, and potentially cutting off entire communities. The Met Office has also warned of the danger to life that could be caused by fast-flowing or deep floodwater.
In addition to the Amber warning, a series of Yellow warnings are in force for many western areas of the UK, including South West Scotland, North West England, the West Midlands, and most of Wales and South West England (in effect until 21:00 or 23:59). These zones are also forecast to receive 20–40mm of rain, but in higher ground, notably the Cumbrian Fells and the Eyri area, totals could reach 80–120mm. Accompanying the rain are gusty winds, with potential gales along the coasts and over high ground.
The recent heavy rainfall culminates an exceptionally wet November. According to data released by the Met Office Hadley Centre, the past month was the wettest of 2025 so far, exceeding the average rainfall level by 31%. In Bridlington, Yorkshire, for example, 180mm of rain was recorded—nearly three times the average norm (66mm), setting a new November record for the station. The Environment Agency (EA) and Natural Resources Wales (NRW) have issued flood alerts and emphasized safety. An EA spokesperson urged: “Do not drive through flood water—it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm (one foot) of flowing water is enough to float your car.”
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