UK weather is seeing a transition from sunny weather to a rainy one after the late hours of Easter Sunday on April 9, according to UK weather authorities, who issued a yellow weather warning for rain and wind for the week ahead.
The warning highlights the occurrence of rainfall and windy conditions in the southwestern portions of the UK, causing potential widespread flooding and other weather-related hazards.
UK Yellow Weather Warning
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 02: Vehicles negotiate a flooded section of the A1 road on November 02, 2022 in London, England. Torrential rain and flash flooding hit the region late on Wednesday evening, causing traffic jams as cars became stuck in the standing water.
The UK's Meteorological Office (Met Office) issued the yellow warning for Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11 and April 12 and provided the following risks of disruption to travel like public transport and infrastructures such as in utility services:
- some trips are likely to be delayed for road, rail, and ferry transport
- some bus and trains services are probably going to be affected, with some trips possibly taking longer than an average journey time
- delays are likely for high-sided vehicles during travel along exposed routes and bridges
- short-term power outages and loss of some other services are possible
- surf or large waves could affect coastal routes, coastal communities, and sea fronts
In particular, areas between Belfast, Northern Ireland and Cardiff, Wales are at risk from the wet and windy conditions anticipated in the coming days.
UV Levels Rise
The warning was issued by weather forecasters as ultraviolet (UV) levels have risen on Sunday, which saw temperatures reaching 16 degrees Celsius in some areas.
The Met Office previously urged people not to underestimate the power of our Sun, with UV levels as strong as the late summer season, increasing the risk of sunburn on Sunday, as cited by Sky News.
The UK weather agency compared April's Sun can be as strong as those of in late August, affecting areas such as London, Edinburgh, Exeter, and Leeds.
However, Sunday's warm weather will be followed by unsettled conditions on Easter Monday and for the rest of the week, the warning stated.
An estimated 2 billion British holidaymakers are believed to have travelled internationally during the Easter bank holiday, according to the ABTA, as cited by Sky News.
However, travelers could face travel disruptions due to the inclement weather when they return to the UK.
Potential Disruptions and Damage
Like previous weather events, strong winds could result downed trees and power lines.
Coastal flooding or erosion is also possible as the wind could push water from the Atlantic coast into coastal communities.
Weather events in the UK such as heavy rain and strong winds affect areas that are already vulnerable to coastal flooding.
In 2022, WION news reported approximately 500,000 properties in the UK are at risk of coastal erosion.
This makes coastal houses at risk in the coming years, as reported by experts in recent years.
Risk of turbulence from powerful winds and reduced visibility from heavy rain could also lead to the cancellation, delay, or diversion of UK flights.
Related Article: UK Weather Forecast: Strong Winds Likely to Unleash This Week That Could Affect Travel Commutes