4 November 2005

Heavy rain is likely to pose problems over the coming days as Met Office forecasters predict several days of very wet weather for the UK.

The autumnal theme of the weather will continue as a succession of Atlantic weather fronts sweep across the country, with strong winds and rain affecting all areas.

The heaviest rain is expected in western areas, particularly exposed parts of Wales and the south-west of England, where as much as 70 mm of rain could fall by the end of Sunday. More heavy rain is forecast for next week.

In view of the likely impacts an early warning has been issued by the Met Office, particularly because of already excessively wet ground and autumn leaf fall. In these situations the Met Office works with other organisations and customers to help them mitigate the effects.

Ian Cameron, Head of Operations at the Met Office said: "In situations like this the Met Office works very closely with the Environment Agency, providing continuous updates on the weather to enable them to issue the most accurate flood warnings possible. I would also advise the public to get the latest information for their area through their local forecasts and news."

Latest forecast for the UK

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Environment Agency Flood warnings