UK weather: Met Office issues 21-hour rain warning as Britain faces weekend washout

Lewis Henderson

By Lewis Henderson,

Published: 20/09/2025

- 13:27

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The Met Office has issued a 21-hour rain warning as the UK braces for a weekend washout.

After a couple of days of nice, warm weather, the UK is bracing for heavy downpours and strong winds across the weekend.

The Met Office said: "A band of rain, heavy at times, across Wales, and northern and western England is expected to remain slow-moving during Saturday morning before making erratic eastward progress, eventually clearing early on Sunday.

"Whilst there is still some uncertainty in the focus for the heaviest rainfall, 20-30mm of rain is likely to fall quite widely, with some locations in the warning area seeing 60-80mm of rain.

"These higher accumulations may not be confined to high ground only with these more probable over north Wales and northern England. Should confidence increase in these higher totals falling over urban or sensitive areas, this warning may be upgraded.

"As the area of rain clears east, a spell of strong northwesterly winds may develop later Saturday and Sunday morning, most likely towards North Sea coasts."

The Met Office has told people to check if their property "could be at risk of flooding".

It added: "If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit."

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Heavy rain and strong winds are expected over the course of the weekend

Heavy rain and strong winds are expected over the course of the weekend

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MET OFFICE

The Met Office told people to check road conditions to avoid delays and amend travel plans if necessary.

It continued: "People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."

Very strong winds will affect parts of England and Wales across the weekend too, which could cause travel delays and damage to buildings.

The Met Office said: "A developing area of low pressure may produce a short spell of very strong winds. Winds will initially strengthen across some western and southwestern areas, before migrating northeastwards, clearing into the North Sea during the early hours of Sunday morning.

"Whilst not everywhere in the warning is expected to experience very strong winds, some inland locations may see gusts of 50-60mph, whilst gusts of 65-75mph are possible around some coasts.

"The strongest winds are more likely around the Bristol Channel and the west Wales coast on Saturday afternoon and early evening, then along the North Sea coast of east and northeast England overnight into early Sunday morning."

People are warned to check for loose items outside their homes, such as: bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, sheds, and fences.

Rain

Showers of up to 60-80mm of rainfall are expected

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Regions affected by strong rain and winds:

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