The theme of wet weather is set to continue this week – with particularly persistent and heavy rain affecting parts of the UK over the next few days.

Our forecasters have issued Severe Weather Warnings for this period, and the public are advised to keep up to date with online and broadcast forecasts during this unsettled spell.

A low pressure system which has moved in from the west is set to be positioned over or close to the UK until early next week, bringing in a series of rain-bearing weather fronts and generating thundery showers at times.

Martin Young, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “We are expecting outbreaks of heavy rain across a wide area of the UK, with worst affected spots likely to be in central and northern parts of the country.

“Rainfall totals could be 40-60mm widely across warning areas, but some places could see up to 100mm of rain through Friday and into Saturday. Given the saturated ground from the record rainfall in June, this could cause disruption – including difficult driving conditions and flooding in some areas.”

The Met Office will be working with partners and emergency responders throughout this period to keep everyone up to date with the latest developments.

An Environment Agency spokesman said: “Heavy rain on Friday and Saturday may lead to significant flooding of properties across parts of northern England. We urge people to remain vigilant and prepared for flooding by checking the Environment Agency website and signing up for localised river flood warnings. The Environment Agency has mobilised teams across the country to check flood defences, clear any river blockages and closely monitor river levels to help reduce the risk flooding.”

You can access the latest weather forecast on the Met Office website or via iPhone and Android Apps as well as on your mobile phone so you are never far from the latest weather forecast. You can also find out more about what to do when heavy rain is forecast.

Related articles

• Weather alert as deluge expected (belfasttelegraph.co.uk)
• More heavy rain prompts warning of further floods (itv.com)