NewsBeat
When will it stop raining? Flood warnings issued across UK
The Environment Agency (EA) has issued warnings for 99 areas in the UK, mostly across southern England, the southern Welsh border, and the East Midlands.
However, flooding is possible in a further 170 locations.
At least 300 properties have been flooded so far, the EA estimates.
Environment Agency issues flood warnings across UK this week
Andrew Hitchings, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said: “With another band of rain on its way, we need the public to remain vigilant to the risk of flooding.
“As well as significant groundwater remaining likely in parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, there are risks of significant river flooding impacts on the Somerset Levels, with minor river flooding impacts expected in parts of the East Midlands and probable in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire.”
The warnings follow what the Met Office described as “the wettest January on record” for parts of the UK, including Cornwall and County Down.
A yellow weather warning for rain remained in place for much of southern Wales and England until midnight on Monday, while yellow warnings will be in place in parts of eastern Scotland on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The Met Office says disruption and possible flooding could be seen in eastern Scotland on Tuesday, with 15-30mm of rain likely to fall widely and 40-60mm possible in places over higher ground.
Mr Hitchings said: “So far, more than 16,000 homes and businesses have been protected but sadly 300 have suffered flooding and our thoughts are with those communities affected.
“Our teams will continue to do all they can to support local people, with pumps, temporary barriers and by clearing waterways to ensure flood water can drain away.”
When will it stop raining in the UK?
The persistent rainfall has already pushed England above its seasonal winter average for rainfall, with parts of the West Country recording more than 30 consecutive days of rain.
Simon Partridge, senior operational meteorologist at the Met Office, warned that the unsettled weather is likely to continue.
Mr Partridge said: “There is currently no sign of any prolonged dry weather for the next seven to 10 days.”
The Met Office forecast warns of further rain this week, before turning colder this weekend.
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Today, (February 10), there will be a cloudy start for many with outbreaks of rain, before a “spell of heavy showery rain” moves into the south and “outbreaks of rain” continue in the north.
Wednesday (February 11) will see cloudy conditions continue with “outbreaks of rain for most”.
The Met Office adds that the outlook for Thursday (February 12) to Saturday (February 14) will be “unsettled at first with further outbreaks of rain. Turning colder from Friday with a chance of snow showers, particularly in the north”.