A yellow weather warning for rain is in place until 2pm today (Wednesday 3 September)<\/p>\n
Author: Sam Hall, PA Published 1 hour ago
Last updated 1 hour ago<\/p>\n
Heavy rain and strong wind may cause flooding and travel disruption in parts of the UK, the Met Office has warned. <\/p>\n
A yellow weather warning for rain has been in place from midnight last night (Tuesday 2 September) and until 2pm today (Wednesday 3 September) for south-west England and much of South Wales. <\/p>\n
Monday saw the end of meteorological summer with cooling temperatures, rain and wind expected across the country after the warmest summer on record. <\/p>\n
In its warning, the Met Office said “heavy rain may cause travel disruption and flooding in places”. <\/p>\n
It added that “some interruption to power supplies and other services is possible” and bus and train services will probably be affected with “journey times taking longer”. <\/p>\n
Rebekah Hicks, chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: “We’re expecting a band of heavy rain and strong winds to move north-east through the first part of Wednesday, followed by heavy showers and the risk of thunderstorms. Some of these could bring hail and gusty winds, particularly in southern areas. <\/p>\n
“Of course, the warning coincides with the first school run after the summer holidays for some, meaning a wet and potentially disruptive start to the day for many.” <\/p>\n
Heavy rain and strong winds will move north-east from early on Wednesday, followed by heavy showers and some thunderstorms. <\/p>\n
Conditions will gradually improve from the South West through Wednesday afternoon as showers become more isolated. <\/p>\n
Rainfall totals will be 20-30mm across much of the area covered by the weather warning on Wednesday, but some places could see 40-60mm within a period of six to nine hours. <\/p>\n
Coastal gales are also likely for a time, especially along English Channel coasts, the Met Office added. <\/p>\n
The weather service said conditions on Thursday would be “unsettled”, with widespread showers and occasional thunderstorms. <\/p>\n
By Friday, southern areas will begin to see more settled conditions, with increasing sunshine and fewer showers. However, the North West will remain wet and windy, with a small chance of coastal gales, the Met Office said. <\/p>\n