Heavy rain and possible flooding.

Overview of Weather Warnings

The primary concern for Monday is a large area of heavy and persistent rain, accompanied by strong south to southwesterly winds, moving eastwards across the UK. The ground is already saturated from previous unsettled weather in November, which increases the likelihood of flooding and travel disruption.

For the most up-to-date information, the public should monitor the Met Office's official weather warnings page MetOffice.co.uk

Monday, December 1, 2025

The main focus of the severe weather is during Monday, with a gradual easing into Tuesday morning.

1. Amber Warning: Rain (South Wales)

An Amber warning for rain is in effect for much of South Wales, active from midnight Monday and lasting through the day. This is the most severe warning in place, signifying a "high impact" level of disruption is likely.

• Impact Areas: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, and the Vale of Glamorgan.

• Rainfall Accumulations: Widely, 60-80mm of rain is expected, but over south- and southwest-facing high ground, such as the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and Eryri (Snowdonia), accumulations of 100-120mm are possible.

• Expected Impacts:

  • Danger to life due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater.

  • Extensive flooding of homes and businesses is possible, potentially causing significant damage to buildings or even structural collapse.

  • Road closures are likely, and some communities could become cut off by floodwater, potentially for several days.

  • Delays and cancellations to bus and train services are probable.

  • Loss of power and other essential services (gas, water, mobile phone services) is a possibility.

  • An increased chance of landslides on both natural and infrastructure slopes due to saturated ground.

2. Yellow Warnings: Rain and Wind (Wider UK)

Multiple Yellow warnings are in effect for broader areas, indicating that some disruption is likely, although generally less severe than the Amber area.

• Southern England and parts of the Midlands: A large area covering London and South East England, South West England, the West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber. An expected 20-30mm of rain is likely across the warning area, with 50-80mm possible over high ground.

• North West England and Southern Scotland: Heavy rain is expected here too, with widely 20-40mm of rain, but potentially 50-80mm over the Cumbrian fells and parts of Southern Scotland.

• Strong winds will accompany the rain in many of these areas, with coastal gales possible, adding to difficult driving conditions with spray and standing water on roads.

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

The heavy rain and strong winds associated with Monday's weather system will clear to the east overnight into Tuesday. The overall outlook for Tuesday is much brighter and drier for most of the UK.

• Residual Warnings: Any remaining Yellow warnings for rain are expected to be lifted by the early hours of Tuesday morning, specifically around 3 am.

• Conditions: The day will feature sunshine and scattered showers, primarily developing in western areas. Winds will be lighter for most, though still potentially fresh in some coastal areas.

• Temperatures: Conditions will feel fresher, and a widespread frost is expected on Tuesday night as colder air briefly returns.

Recommendations for the Public

Given the severity of the warnings, particularly the Amber alert in Wales, the Met Officeand environmental agencies urge the public to be prepared.

• Travel: Check road conditions and public transport timetables before travelling. Delays and cancellations are probable, and driving through floodwater is extremely dangerous. Just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move a car.

• Flooding: Check your flood risk and consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Stay away from swollen rivers and coastal paths.

• Power Cuts: Be prepared for potential power interruptions by having torches, batteries, and a charged mobile phone power bank ready.

This period of unsettled, wet, and windy weather marks a challenging start to December, reinforcing the need for the public to stay informed and exercise caution. The weather is likely to remain changeable throughout the week, with further low-pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic.