Fresh weather warnings for heavy rain have been issued, with areas already saturated from previous downpours expected to be affected again. Last Monday, some parts of the country experienced more than the average monthly rainfall. Southern and central England counties have received over 250% of their September average, according to the Met Office.

Two new yellow warnings indicating the likelihood of heavy rain causing travel delays and flooding are now in effect. One warning covers North Wales and northwest England until 8pm, while the other spans eastern England from 8am today to 3am on Tuesday. Rainfall is expected to range between 20mm and 40mm widely, with up to 60mm in parts of North Wales and northwest England, and between 60mm and 80mm in eastern England.

Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick anticipates “pretty heavy persistent rain” across North Wales and northwest England. The heaviest rainfall is expected on higher ground in eastern England, while areas like Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire, already saturated, will experience less rain.

Heavy rain sweeping northeastwards across much of England and Wales ⚠️

Staying windy along the English Channel and eastern coasts 🌬️

Cloudy in Northern Ireland and Scotland with showery outbreaks of rain ☔ pic.twitter.com/YWAFgWfWjR

— Met Office (@metoffice) September 29, 2024

Recent heavy rain and localised flooding have caused significant disruptions in England. Commuters have faced widespread delays on roads and railways. Approximately 650 properties were flooded in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and the home counties, while the Environment Agency protected around 8,200 properties.

A yellow rain warning for much of southern England and South Wales came into force on Sunday and continues until 9am today. On Sunday evening, the Environment Agency had 32 flood warnings, indicating imminent flooding, and 98 flood alerts, indicating potential flooding, across England.

Mark Garratt, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, urged the public not to drive through floodwater, as it is often deeper than it appears, and just 30cm of flowing water can float a car. Environment Agency teams have been checking flood defences, clearing storm drains, and supporting local authorities with surface water flooding. The public is advised to keep checking their flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings.

By Tuesday night, higher pressure is expected to bring drier and sunnier weather, according to Mr Eslick. He noted that while the weather will improve midweek, there is a potential for further low pressure and rain over the following weekend.