With heavy rain expected to batter the UK, the Met Office has issued several yellow weather warnings over the weekend and into Monday.
The weather agency has cautioned that flooding and travel disruption are possible as downpours of up to 100mm are due to hit parts of the north of England, Scotland and Wales on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.
A 24-hour warning has been issued in parts of Highlands & Eilean Siar and Strathclyde from midday on Saturday, and in southwest Scotland, East Midlands, North East England, North West England and Yorkshire & Humber from 6pm until Monday evening.
Met Office chief meteorologist Rebekah Hicks said: “While there is still some uncertainty around the timing of individual pulses of heavy rain, the combination of prolonged rainfall and already saturated ground means there is a chance of further disruption to travel and localised flooding.
“We expect further unsettled conditions to continue into next week and are closely monitoring developments.”
Further rain warnings will come into place on Sunday from 6pm in northwestern areas of Wales and at midnight in Northern Ireland.
The heaviest rain is forecast across Cumbria, where more than 200mm (8 inches) could accumulate over the weekend. The Met Office also expects strong southwesterly winds at times.
Bands of rain could cause flooding on roads and cause travel disruption. It could also cause interruption to power supplies and flooding to homes and businesses, the forecaster warned.
People in the areas covered by the yellow rain warning are advised to consider preparing a flood kit, containing insurance and any other important documents, a torch and spare batteries, a first aid kit and prescription medicines.
The Met Office said the outlook for much of December remains unsettled, with more wet and windy weather on its way.
Here is the weather forecast for the UK for the coming week, according to the Met Office:
Today
Rain may be slow to clear the southeast through much of the day Friday, but elsewhere it will be a more settled day with plenty of sunny spells. Blustery showers across the northwest. Feeling fresher but mild in the southeast.
Tonight
Cloud and rain in the southeast will continue to ease, leaving a clear night for most people. Blustery showers continuing for the northeast, but light winds further south. Fog possible.
Saturday
More persistent heavy rain moving into the north through Saturday, which can bring strong winds and coastal gales. Drier for England and Wales. Mild in lighter winds in the southeast.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
A northwest-southeast split towards the back half of the weekend. Staying wet and windy across Scotland and Northern Ireland, though drier and brighter conditions elsewhere. Turning unsettled into next week.
