The wet weather is expected to last for days and days
A yellow weather warning is in place in Bristol today and tomorrow(Image: PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC)
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for Bristol and the west of Britain, with some areas facing up to 75mm of rain from today, Tuesday, April 15, until tomorrow, Wednesday, April 16.
The weather warning comes into force at midday today and lasts until midday on Wednesday. Heavy rain is expected and could cause disruption to transportation on road and rail as conditions become treacherous.
The Met Office said: “A spell of heavy and persistent rain is expected to move north across western Britain during Tuesday into early Wednesday. Whilst there is some uncertainty in where the heaviest rain will fall, 20-40 mm of rain is expected fairly widely.
“A few places may see 50-75 mm of rain during this period: gradually building up in the west following rain on Monday, whilst in parts of the east, falling in shorter periods where heavy showers and thunderstorms become slow-moving.”
People are being told to expect some disruption as a result of the weather, including bus and train services taking longer and spray and flooding on roads likely making journey times longer.
The Met Office has also warned of possible flooding in areas where the rainfall is greater, as well as interruption to power supplies.
In order to minimise any impact caused by the weather, people should: “check if your property could be at risk of flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.”
Those travelling should regularly check for updates to try and avoid too much disruption, and amend plans where necessary.
Today’s forecast in Bristol reads: “A cloudier and cooler day than on Monday with heavy rain in the west edging slowly eastwards, perhaps thundery in places during the afternoon. Windy in the west, with some strong winds developing on exposed coasts and hills. Maximum temperature 19°C.”
Tonight the rain will continue, according to the Met Office: “Further rain, heavy at times, continuing to move steadily north and east overnight. The rain gradually easing by dawn. Windy, especially along exposed coasts and hills. A mild night. Minimum temperature 4°C.”
Despite the past couple of weeks low pressure has returned to the UK, bringing in warmer weather. This is about to change.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert explained: “After a long spell of high pressure bringing dry weather and sunshine, gloomier and unsettled conditions are on the horizon. Low pressure has become established to the west of the UK bringing cloud, rain showers, and lower temperatures for many.
“More persistent and heavy rain is expected on Tuesday into early Wednesday. A low-pressure system near Portugal is of particular interest as it moves towards the UK, bringing with it potentially heavy rain and thunderstorms.
“We have issued a yellow warning for rain from midday on Tuesday until Wednesday afternoon. The warning covers southwest England, Wales, and the northwest of England.
“High rainfall totals are possible, but given the recent dry conditions, significant impacts are not anticipated. The situation remains under close watch, with further wet conditions anticipated on Thursday and another weather front moving in on Friday.””