A yellow weather warning has been issued for heavy rain across western England and the whole of Wales, raising the risk of localised flooding and travel disruption just as the school holidays begin and the Easter weekend draws near.
The Met Office warning comes into effect at midday on Tuesday and will remain in place for 24 hours. Forecasters have warned of the potential for flooded homes and businesses, power cuts, and delays to public transport.
Drivers have been advised to expect spray and surface water on roads, which could lead to longer journey times. Bus and train services may also experience disruption.
The warning covers a wide area, including popular holiday destinations such as Cornwall, Devon, Bristol, Bath, Herefordshire, Shropshire, and parts of Cheshire and Merseyside.
In its statement, the Met Office said: “A spell of heavy and persistent rain is expected to move north across western Britain during Tuesday into early Wednesday. While there is some uncertainty around the exact location of the heaviest rainfall, many areas are likely to receive 20–40mm of rain, with isolated spots possibly seeing up to 75mm.”
Following a prolonged period of dry and settled weather, a shift in conditions is being driven by low pressure moving in from the west. This has brought cloud cover, rain, and a dip in temperatures.
Matthew Lehnert, the Met Office’s Chief Meteorologist, said: “After weeks of sunshine and dry conditions, a more unsettled pattern is emerging. A low-pressure system near Portugal is of particular concern as it moves towards the UK, potentially bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms. While high rainfall totals are possible, the ground has been relatively dry, so significant impacts are not expected at this stage. However, the situation is being closely monitored.”
Further wet weather is likely later in the week, with additional rain expected on Thursday and another weather front approaching on Friday.
On Tuesday morning, the Environment Agency had eight flood alerts in place across parts of England, particularly in areas near rivers in Cumbria, including Whitehaven, Eskdale, and Egremont. The agency confirmed it was monitoring river levels and rainfall closely. Natural Resources Wales had not issued any flood warnings by 8am.
As for the Easter weekend, the Met Office said the outlook would become clearer as the week progresses. Temperatures are expected to be close to average for the time of year, with a mix of dry spells, unsettled weather, and chilly nights.
The AA has issued an amber traffic warning for the holiday weekend, predicting over 19 million car journeys on Good Friday and more than 18 million on Easter Monday.
Sir Anwar cutting the cake during Bestway group’s 32nd annual charity day last Friday (20)
King Charles and Queen Camilla at Royal Ascot
Lord Tariq Ahmad
Lord Jitesh Gadhia and Lord Zameer Choudrey
Guests at the Pavilion restaurant
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)