Ahead of Monday’s wet day, Sunday will bring respite for many, with predominantly dry conditions before turning more unsettled overnight.

Heavy rain and gusty winds to start the week for many

The transition back to wet weather will start overnight Sunday and into Monday, with rain the most significant hazard in the weather forecast.

The Amber warning for south Wales comes into force from the early hours of Monday morning and will last through the day with heavy rain persisting until early on Tuesday.

Met Office Chief Forecaster Rebekah Hicks said: “Heavy rain will move over south Wales from late Sunday and through Monday. Whilst rainfall amounts will vary, the largest accumulations are expected over the highest ground in south Wales and could reach 100-120mm through the day. 60-80mm is most likely for many hills within the Amber warning area, while those to lower levels should see around 20-40mm through the day.

“Wider yellow warnings for rain have also been issued for the southwest and northwest of England, central and northern parts of Wales, as well as southwest Scotland, with disruption also possible in these areas through the day.”

Warnings highlight potential flooding, travel disruption and the possibility of power cuts for some. Within the Amber warning area, fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, which may cause a danger to life.

Risk of flooding and landslides

Richard Preece, Natural Resources Wales’s Duty Tactical Manager, said: “We are asking people to be alert for potential flooding with heavy rain predicted overnight on Sunday into Monday morning, especially in parts of South Wales.

“With some rivers already swollen and the ground saturated, we expect to see a number of flood alerts and warnings issued. We also expect the rain to cause surface water issues.  We’re urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service. 

“We also want to remind people to keep away from swollen riverbanks and not to drive or walk through flood waters as you don’t know what lies beneath. 

“We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so it’s important for everyone to know their flood risk. 

“If flooding is forecast in your area, we want to make sure people are doing all they can to keep themselves safe. Think about preparing a flood kit with any important documents and medication, moving your car to higher ground and moving treasured possessions upstairs or to a higher place.  

“Check the flood warning pages on our website for local Flood Alerts and Flood Warnings for river or coastal flooding. These pages are updated every 15 minutes. Visit naturalresources.wales/flooding or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.”

A Spokesperson from British Geological Survey said: “Records indicate that rainfall amounts similar to those forecast for Monday have previously triggered landslides in Wales. Both natural and infrastructure slopes could be affected within the warning areas, with rainfall falling on slopes that are likely to already be saturated.

“There is potential for disruption to roads and railways within the warning area, this is likely to be particularly impactful in areas where there are long diversion routes.”

Next week’s weather outlook

Beyond Monday’s disruptive weather for many, a changeable week of weather is on the cards for many, with low pressure continuing to influence the forecast through much of the period and a mixture of rain, showers and some sunny spells at times.