Met Office yellow rain warnings issued across the UK ahead of wet, windy weekend
Low-pressure system brings 20-40 mm of rain widely, with higher totals on hills; gusts of 60-70 mph possible along the Irish Sea coast
Yellow rain warnings from the Met Office cover parts of Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern England and Wales as a developing area of low pressure is forecast to dominate the weekend weather. The alerts run from Saturday morning until early Sunday, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall and the potential for surface water, flooding and travel disruption.
Forecasters expect rainfall totals of 20 to 40 mm widely, with 75 to 100 mm possible over higher ground in southern Scotland and the Central Belt. In Northern Ireland, 20 to 40 mm is likely across many areas, with 60 to 80 mm on hills and mountains. The northern England and western Wales warnings mirror these totals. The Met Office cautions that computer models do not fully agree on where the rain will fall heaviest, so some locations could see less than the upper estimates.
Beyond rain, there is a risk of gusty winds along the coasts of the Irish Sea, where gales of 60 to 70 mph could develop Saturday afternoon and evening, adding to disruption on roads and rail networks.
On Friday, a brief spell of warmth is expected as southerly winds draw in warm air from continental Europe, with eastern England possibly reaching around 26C. Wales could see highs near 21C, and parts of north-east Scotland around 19C. But the warmth is forecast to be short-lived as a cooler Atlantic regime moves in. Brisk northerly winds behind the system are expected to drive temperatures down through the weekend, with daytime highs forecast to be in the 11C to 16C range in many areas—well below the September average. Those conditions could keep the rain feel colder, and exposed areas may see a continued risk of showers. 
Forecasters note the sequence comes as September has delivered unusually wet weather, with rainfall totals in some places already exceeding what is typical for the entire month. The pattern follows what researchers described as the UK's hottest summer on record, underscoring a broader shift in autumn patterns.
Officials urge the public to stay up to date with the Met Office updates and local advisories as the weekend approaches, and to plan for possible travel disruption, particularly on roads and rail networks. The warning area covers southern Scotland up to Edinburgh and Glasgow and the Central Belt, with additional warnings for eastern Northern Ireland and large parts of northern England and western Wales. Forecasters emphasize that rainfall may be heaviest in bursts, with drier interludes possible in some places.
Travel services operators have cautioned passengers to check for delays and timetable changes ahead of the weekend, as wet conditions and wind gusts could slow journeys. Local authorities also advise motorists to drive with care on wet and spray-filled roads and to follow updated travel guidance from official channels.
The BBC News weather briefing noted the spread of yellow warnings and the potential for localized flooding in low-lying areas, with meteorologists monitoring how the developing low-pressure system interacts with residual wet ground from September's rainfall. Updates from the Met Office will continue to refine the forecasts as the weekend approaches, and residents are encouraged to stay alert for any changes in warning levels.