UK weather: Met Office issues fresh heavy rain warnings

Fresh weather warnings have been issued for heavy rain, with some areas already saturated by earlier downpours to be hit.

Parts of the country saw more than the monthly average rainfall last Monday, while some counties in southern and central England have already had more than 250% of their September average, according to the Met Office.

Two fresh yellow warnings, meaning further heavy rain is likely to cause some travel delays and flooding, come into force today. One covers North Wales and northwest England up until 8pm and the other across eastern England runs from 8am today to 3am on Tuesday.

Both forecast between 20mm and 40mm of rainfall widely, with 60mm possible in a few places across North Wales and northwest England and between 60mm to 80mm in some areas in eastern England.

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Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said he's expecting some "pretty heavy persistent rain" across North Wales and northwest England.

The higher ground in eastern England will see the most rainfall. Areas including Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire will see less rainfall, but are already saturated by recent heavy rain.

It comes after areas across England suffered heavy rain and localised flooding in recent days, with commuters facing widespread disruption on road and rail services.

About 650 properties were flooded in Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and the home counties, according to the Environment Agency, which estimated around 8,200 properties had been protected.

A yellow warning for rain covering much of southern England and South Wales came into force on Sunday and continues up until 9am today.

The Environment Agency had 32 flood warnings, indicating flooding is expected, and 98 flood alerts, where flooding is possible, in place across England on Sunday evening.

Mark Garratt, flood risk manager at the Environment Agency, said: "It is especially important that people do not drive through flood water - it is often deeper than it looks and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.

"Across the country, Environment Agency teams have been out checking flood defences and clearing any debris from storm drains and are also supporting local authorities in responding to surface water flooding.

"The advice to the public to keep checking their flood risk, and search 'check for flooding' and to sign up for free flood warnings on the latest situation or follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates."

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By Tuesday night, higher pressure will move in, meaning a drier, sunnier spell, Mr Eslick said.

"Come Tuesday night into Wednesday we're starting to see higher pressure, so turning a lot drier and plenty of sunny spells," he said.

"But the following weekend, it does look like there's a further low pressure coming in, but we're still keeping an eye on that."

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