UK Weather Warnings
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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the Pressorbit weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
Live data from Open-Meteo · updates automatically ·
The UK experiences over 200 days of rainfall annually on average, and today a moderate rainfall warning is in force across parts of southern England and Wales. The live forecast above shows current conditions for your area, with rain expected to persist through the afternoon.
How does the Met Office warning system work?
The National Severe Weather Service uses three colours — yellow, amber and red — to indicate increasing likelihood and impact. A yellow warning means “be aware” of possible disruption; amber means “be prepared”; red means “take action” to protect life and property. The moderate rainfall warning in effect today is a yellow-level alert, meaning localised flooding and travel delays are possible but not guaranteed.
What does a moderate rainfall warning mean?
A moderate rainfall warning typically forecasts 20–40 millimetres of rain within a 6-hour period, or 40–80 mm in 24 hours. The live conditions above will update as the band moves east. In practice, this means standing water on roads, slower journey times, and an elevated risk of surface water flooding near urban drainage systems. Check the moderate rainfall warning map on the Met Office website for the latest boundaries.
What about snow and ice warnings this week?
The met office snow warning is currently limited to northern Scotland above 300 metres, where 5–10 cm is possible overnight. Lower-lying areas in the Highlands and Grampians may see a dusting. For the rest of the UK, the weather warning scotland zone is the only area under a cold weather alert. The live forecast above reflects milder air moving in from the Atlantic.
Is there a storm to hit Britain this weekend?
Meteorological models suggest a deepening low pressure system may bring a storm to hit Britain this weekend, likely Saturday evening into Sunday. Wind gusts of 50–65 mph are possible along exposed coasts of western Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Met Office has not yet issued storm warnings uk today for this event, but amber-level wind warnings may be added by Friday. Keep an eye on the live forecast above for changes.
For a full look at severe weather probabilities across the country, visit our UK weather hub.
What is an amber weather warning meaning today?
An amber weather warning meaning “be prepared” indicates a higher likelihood of disruption. If an amber warning is issued alongside a moderate rainfall warning, it typically means rainfall totals could reach 60–100 mm in 12 hours, with rivers rising and transport networks affected. No amber warnings are active at present, but check the live conditions above for updates.
If you receive a moderate rainfall warning today, avoid driving through floodwater, secure loose garden objects, and charge mobile devices in case of power cuts. For those in moderate rainfall warning London areas, the risk is highest near the Thames tidal floodplain.
What are the other warning types?
The Met Office issues warnings for rain, wind, snow, ice, fog, thunderstorms, and extreme heat. Each colour level applies consistently — yellow, amber, red. A thunderstorm warning, for example, may accompany a moderate rainfall warning if lightning is expected. Our rain percentage guide explains how forecast probability works.
How to stay informed
Bookmark our 10-day forecast for forward planning, and check the live conditions above hourly. Sign up for free Environment Agency flood alerts if you live in a flood-risk area. For severe weather, always follow police and emergency services instructions.
What should I do during a moderate rainfall warning?
Stay indoors where possible, avoid driving through standing water, and check the live forecast above every few hours. Clear gutters and drains if you can do so safely. If flooding is likely, move valuable items upstairs and prepare a grab bag with medication and documents.
How long will the moderate rainfall warning last?
Most yellow rainfall warnings cover a 6- to 24-hour window. The current alert expires at 21:00 tonight. After that, conditions are expected to ease, though the storm to hit Britain this weekend may bring a fresh warning. Check the live conditions above for timing updates.
Can a moderate rainfall warning become an amber warning?
Yes — if rainfall rates increase beyond the forecast threshold, the Met Office can upgrade a yellow warning to amber. This is more common when a slow-moving band of rain settles over the same area for hours. The live forecast above will reflect any upgrade immediately.
Are Cold Weather Payments related to rainfall warnings?
No — Cold Weather Payments are triggered by seven consecutive days of average temperatures at or below 0.5°C, not by rainfall warnings. However, if snowfall follows the rain, colder conditions may qualify. Check your postcode with our Cold Weather Payment Checker.
Data sourced from the Met Office and Environment Agency, updated hourly. See our Sources & Standards page for methodology.
