The Met Office has issued a significant warning to UK residents, advising them to “prepare a flood plan” in response to impending heavy rainfall. With torrential downpours expected this week, the authorities recommend assessing flood risks to properties as the nation braces for a deluge.
A brief heatwave in the south and east is being replaced by a westerly airflow, bringing showers and extended periods of rain. This will result in more typical temperatures for this season over the coming days.
Residents at risk are urged to “prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit,” emphasising that “it’s never too late to take action and prepare for flooding.” Additionally, the Met Office advises people to “charge mobile phone devices.”
A damp and cloudy start for much of England but slowly becoming drier and brighter from the west 🌧️
Sunshine and light winds across parts of Wales northwest England, and Scotland 🌤️
Becoming cloudier from the northwest later, with a strengthening breeze 🌦️ pic.twitter.com/HM3QXmIdKs
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 13, 2024
They recommend: “Check the flood advice in your area to know when and where flooding will happen. Charge mobile phone devices.”
Further instructions include: “If you are trapped in a building by floodwater, go to the highest level in the building, avoid attic spaces to prevent being trapped by rising water, only go to a roof if necessary, and call 999 for help.”
On Monday, the UK experienced its hottest day in two years, with temperatures soaring to 34.8C in Cambridge. However, a shift in the Atlantic jet stream will introduce milder and wetter weather, resulting in a “changeable” forecast.
While the far east and southeast of England will enjoy warm conditions and sunshine on Tuesday, with temperatures potentially reaching between 27C and 29C, cooler weather is expected further north. Monday’s peak temperature of 34.8C marked a provisional record high since August 13, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What has the Met Office warned Brits about?
The Met Office has warned Brits to prepare a flood plan due to heavy rain.
How should I prepare if my property is at risk of flooding?
Prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit, and charge your mobile phone devices.
What should I do if I’m trapped in a building by floodwater?
Go to the highest level, avoid attic spaces, go to the roof if necessary, and call 999.
What caused the change in weather from the recent heatwave?
A westerly airflow is bringing showers and longer spells of rain, replacing the heatwave.
How high did temperatures reach during the recent heatwave in the UK?
Temperatures soared to 34.8C in Cambridge, the hottest in two years.