The Met Office has issued a stark warning: the relentless rain shows no signs of stopping, despite the relentless downpours that have plagued the UK throughout 2026. A yellow rain warning is in effect for the West Midlands, parts of southern England, and Wales, lasting until 9 p.m. on Friday. The Met Office warns of potential flooding, power outages, and surface water issues due to the already saturated ground.
The South West of England and South Wales have endured 50% more rainfall than usual for January, with rain every single day so far. England as a whole received 150% of its long-term average rainfall last month, according to the Environment Agency (EA), with the South West region experiencing a staggering 184% of the long-term average rainfall in January.
In just the first three days of February, the South East had already received 32% of the long-term average rainfall for the entire month, the EA reported. Rainfall totals varied significantly, ranging from 13mm in eastern England to 43mm in the South West for the week of January 28th to February 3rd.
The rain shows no signs of letting up, with forecasters predicting daily rainfall in these areas through Sunday. Dan Stroud, an operational meteorologist with the Met Office, stated, 'Unfortunately, there's no end in sight.'
Another band of rain in the South West will move northward on Friday, bringing heavy bursts. Saturday will bring more of the same, with heavy showers lashing the south in the morning before gradually moving into Wales and the Midlands. The southern and western parts of the UK will face yet another band of rain on Sunday, though it should be slightly drier elsewhere.
Northern Ireland is also under a yellow rain warning until midnight on Friday. In Scotland, persistent cloud and rain will continue to affect the eastern regions, including Aberdeen. The city has endured a record-breaking two-week period without sunshine, the longest such period since records began in 1957.
Despite the rain, some areas may see glimpses of brightness. Parts of East Anglia, the South East, and possibly western Scotland could experience some sunshine on Saturday. Mr. Stroud explains that a large area of high pressure in the far north and east is preventing low-pressure systems from moving through, resulting in a lack of change in the forecast.
The jet stream, positioned far to the south, is bringing exceptional wet weather to Spain and Portugal. According to the yellow warning, the South West of England and parts of Wales could see up to 50mm of rain in higher places, with widespread downpours of 30mm.
