The UK is bracing for a significant weather event later this month as maps reveal a large portion of the country could be engulfed by a deluge of rain.
Maps from WX Charts warn of intense rainfall on Saturday, November 23, with most of Britain almost disappearing under the weather system.
The latest precipitation maps show widespread rainfall across much of the UK, particularly affecting western and northern areas.
The forecasted accumulation shows up to 29 mm of rain in some regions over a 24-hour period, with areas of concentrated rain likely impacting Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of Wales and northern England.
This rainfall could pose a significant risk for localised flooding, particularly in regions already waterlogged from recent rainfall events.
This level of rainfall is unusual for late November and underscores the power of the incoming system, which is being fuelled by moisture from the Atlantic Ocean.
The storm is expected to bring a rapid intensification in precipitation, with “instantaneous” heavy downpours highlighted by vivid shades of green, yellow, and even red on the precipitation rate maps.
In addition to the rain, a sharp drop in temperatures could bring snowfall to higher elevations in Scotland.
The winter overview map shows a mix of rain and snow depth forecast, with areas in northern Scotland potentially seeing early-season snow accumulation.
The freezing line, marked by the 546 and 528 thickness contours on the map, is dipping unusually low, indicating cold Arctic air filtering in and creating conditions conducive to snowfall over higher ground.
For lowland areas, while snow isn’t expected, temperatures are likely to feel chillier due to wind chill factors as the system moves across the country.
Coastal areas, particularly along the west coast, should also prepare for potential storm surges and high waves, driven by strong winds accompanying this low-pressure system.
The weather system’s approach, with an estimated central pressure of 990 hPa, could bring gusty conditions and large waves, increasing risks for coastal flooding in vulnerable areas.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast acknowledges rain and showers may be on Britain’s way.
It read: “During next weekend and into the following week, there are signs that the influence of high pressure will decline to the west. This means many regions are likely turn unsettled, with northern and eastern areas probably having the most frequent spells of rain and showers.”
The high pressure declining also increases chances of a “spell of northerly winds and colder conditions”, the weather agency said.
