UK weather: Britain braces for Boxing Day downpours after mild Christmas Day
Temperatures expected to turn milder as rain settles in across UK
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dozens of flood warnings are in place across the country as Christmas Day's clear skies are predicted to turn to cloud, wind and rain on Boxing Day.
The nation experienced a mild chill of between 2C and 4C and plenty of sunshine across much of the country during the festivities – creating a bright day across much of the country.
However highs of 7C, provided little solace for those who headed to the beach in Porthcawl, Wales, to take part in the region’s tradition Christmas swim.
One of a number of Christmas swims to take place across the British Isles, around 1,200 people took to the waves – with up to 5,000 spectators cheering them on for the 55th annual beach event just before midday.
The fine weather – prompted by an area of high pressure to the east of the isles – is expected to turn to fog and frost in areas across the north and east off the country overnight, with a band of rain crossing into the southwest.
Meanwhile on 26 December, scattered rains across the south, west and centre of the British Isles with the occasional chance of a heavy, prolonged downpour are expected, according to the Met Office.
The Environment Agency has issued 36 flood warnings – where flooding is expected – and 96 flood alerts – where flooding is possible.
Met Office forecaster Alex Burkill said a band of rain moving from the southwest to the north east of England will ensure that “pretty much everywhere” will see some wet weather on Thursday.
He said: “For most places there is going to be a lot of cloud and some rain around too. The heaviest will be in southwest England and Wales.
“Because of the amount of rain we have seen this month there could also be some localised flooding.”
About 30mm (1.2ins) of rain is expected to fall in some parts of southwest England, while other regions could see up to 20mm (0.8ins) throughout the day, Mr Burkill said.
Coastal areas in the southwest are also forecast to be hit by winds of up to 50mph.
However temperatures are expected to be milder than Christmas Day itself. The south and west of the country as well as Wales could see highs of 10 degrees, while the mercury in the midlands and north settle at around five degrees.
And fresh winds and rain are expected to continue to dampen festive plans across the country – however the showers are expected to become isolated to Ireland and Scotland on Friday heading into 28 December, leaving the rest of the UK to experience sunny spells.
Additional reporting by PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments