UK Drenched: Month More Rain Ahead!

Britain is bracing for at least another month of persistent wet weather, with forecasters predicting no immediate end to the current downpours. Since the beginning of the year, a strong southern jet stream has brought frequent rain and wind, especially impacting the south west of England. The Met Office anticipates the wettest conditions will shift northwards from next week.

This prolonged rainfall has left ground conditions highly saturated, significantly elevating the risk of flooding across the UK. Several areas, particularly in southern and south-east England, are experiencing minor flooding with groundwater levels rising. Currently, 65 flood warnings and 179 flood alerts are in effect nationwide.

The Environment Agency is actively deploying pumps and temporary barriers along rivers like the Severn and Thames, and has protected approximately 24,500 properties. Officials urge the public to remain vigilant, acknowledging that climate change is increasing flood risk, with projections suggesting 8 million properties could be at risk by 2050.

Research from the University of Newcastle indicates that UK winters are becoming significantly wetter due to climate change, with rainfall increasing by seven percent for every degree Celsius of global warming. This trend is occurring at a faster rate than climate models predicted, placing the UK about 20 years ahead of expected changes.