A storm is brewing, and it's set to unleash heavy rain and a risk of flooding across several regions in the UK. The Met Office has issued multiple weather warnings, including a serious amber alert, indicating that significant rainfall could cause disruptions and hazards.
Parts of eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland, and certain areas in England and Wales are bracing for substantial rainfall totals, which raise concerns about flooding. In particular, strong winds are expected to accompany the rainfall, especially in north-east Scotland, making conditions even more challenging.
As Friday approaches, Storm Ingrid—named by the Portuguese weather service—will sweep into the south-western sections of England and Wales, bringing with it intensified rain and stronger winds. Currently, eastern Scotland is experiencing ongoing heavy rain, with an amber warning in effect for regions such as Grampian, Angus, and Perth and Kinross until 18:00 GMT today.
Forecasts suggest that rainfall could accumulate between 60-80mm, with localized areas on high ground potentially seeing totals up to 100-120mm. Some locations may witness accumulations exceeding 150mm since Wednesday evening, leading to surface water and river flooding.
Moreover, there’s a broader yellow warning covering the rest of eastern Scotland, where rainfall amounts of 30-60mm are anticipated. The Met Office emphasizes that given the already saturated ground from previous rain and snow melt, flooding is a real possibility in various places.
In north-east Scotland, a strong south-easterly wind will contribute to an uncomfortable feel in the air. On Thursday, additional yellow warnings will be in place across south-east Wales, Somerset, and Devon from 08:00 to 16:00, as well as in Northern Ireland from 10:00 to 23:59. Persistent heavy rain falling on already soaked ground in these regions might lead to further flooding and transport disruptions.
As of Thursday morning, nearly 160 flood warnings were active throughout England, Scotland, and Wales. Elsewhere in the UK, the weather remains predominantly overcast and breezy, with occasional drizzle.
Moving into Friday, Storm Ingrid will impact the UK, with its center approaching the south-west of England and north-west France. Winds are expected to pick up significantly, with gusts reaching up to 65mph. While these winds won't reach the near 100mph levels experienced during Storm Goretti in south-west England, they could still have notable effects.
The windy conditions are likely to persist into Saturday, even as the center of Ingrid stalls to the south-west. For most parts of the UK, aside from Storm Ingrid's immediate effects, residents can expect a brisk south-easterly to easterly wind that will draw in colder air from north-east Europe. Consequently, temperatures will begin to dip over the weekend and into next week, potentially dropping to 4 to 6 degrees Celsius below the typical January averages.
The easterly winds may also bring sporadic wintry showers, possibly resulting in snow for some regions of the UK. While the specifics regarding the exact locations and amounts of snowfall remain uncertain, the likelihood of wintery hazards is increasing.
