5 days of rain on way

Forecasters warning of floods and even snow

FORGET April showers – parts of Britain are facing a deluge.

More than an inch of rain fell in parts of the West Country in the 24 hours to yesterday lunchtime, and almost an inch in South Wales.

Meanwhile, most areas of England and Wales were grey and wet – and the soggy conditions are set to linger across the country today too.

The South Coast and South West England are likely to clear up as the day goes on but could then be hit by heavy showers later on.

And although tomorrow should begin dry and bright, a further low-pressure area from northern Europe is due to arrive in the South East by the evening.

The Met Office has issued a warning for Sunday evening and through the whole of Monday that up to 70mm – more than two-anda-half inches – of rain is on the way. Snow is also possible in the North and South Downs – although it is unlikely to settle – along with winds of up to 50mph in exposed coastal areas.

The warning, first issued on Thursday for the South East and East Anglia, was yesterday expanded to cover the East Midlands and Lincolnshire up to the Humber Estuary. The Environment Agency has also warned of possible flooding on the River Kennet in Berkshire and the lower Avon in Hampshire.

Met Office forecaster John West said: ‘The conditions are likely to hang around in East Anglia, the South East and Central areas throughout Monday.’

A ridge of high pressure on Tuesday is due to bring just a ‘brief respite’ before another area of lowpressure arrives on Wednesday from Iceland, Mr West added.

The wet conditions on Monday could result in maximum temperatures of just 10C (50F), while over the weekend, 12-13C (54-55F) is possible in many areas. The seasonal average is 13-14C (55-57F).

The Met Office forecast for the next week predicts ‘changeable weather with brisk winds and spells of rain at times’. But there is an improved picture towards the bank holiday weekend, it said.

‘There will be a few drier and sunnier spells too, particularly in the south from next weekend onwards ... Temperatures will start off fairly cool, although they will tend to recover gradually to nearnormal or even a little above normal in the South.’