Heavy rain and severe weather warnings have swept across the United Kingdom this week, prompting flood alerts, difficult travel conditions, and a sharp drop in temperatures as Arctic air moves south. On Tuesday, November 11, 2025, the Met Office issued a series of yellow severe weather warnings for rain, affecting wide swathes of the country from south-west Scotland and Northern Ireland to south-west England and south Wales, according to BBC News.
Throughout Tuesday, an area of persistent rain stalled over central and southern Scotland and Northern Ireland, with some regions experiencing rainfall totals between 20-40mm (0.8-1.5in) and isolated spots seeing up to 60mm (2.4in). The Met Office’s yellow warning for south-west Scotland remained in force until 23:59 GMT, while the warning for much of Northern Ireland expired just before 18:00 GMT. The agency cautioned that the evening commute could be particularly hazardous, with surface water spray and flooding making roads treacherous.
Further south, heavy and potentially thundery rain swept in from the west during Tuesday afternoon, impacting Wales and south-west England. Additional Met Office yellow warnings were issued for south Wales, valid until 23:59 GMT, and for Cornwall and Devon, where a rain and wind warning stretched until 18:00 GMT on Wednesday, November 12. Rainfall totals in these areas could reach 60-80mm (2.4-3in), particularly on south-facing hills, raising the risk of localized flooding due to already saturated ground. Strong south-westerly winds accompanied the rain, compounding the difficult conditions for travelers and residents alike.
Wednesday, November 12, brought little relief, as more rain was forecast for southern England and Wales. The Met Office responded by issuing additional yellow warnings for these regions, valid from 06:00 to 23:59 GMT. With rainfall totals mounting, authorities warned that further weather warnings could be issued as the week progressed.
Devon, in particular, faced heightened flood risks on Tuesday. The Environment Agency issued a flood alert for the region, warning that flooding was possible along the River Plym, Tory Brook, and Long Brook. River levels were expected to rise from around 9pm on Tuesday and remain high overnight into Wednesday morning, especially in low-lying riverside areas at Plympton and Marsh Mills in Plymouth. While no property flooding was anticipated at the time, the agency warned that roads, fields, and footpaths near rivers could flood. Teams were actively monitoring river levels and clearing debris screens in preparation for the forecasted deluge.
Residents in Devon were urged to avoid low-lying bridges and flooded roads, and to stay informed by signing up for Environment Agency flood warnings. The Met Office’s yellow weather warning for the county predicted 20-40mm of rain widely, with up to 80mm possible on the south-facing slopes of the moors. Gusts were expected to exceed gale force along exposed coastal areas and hilltops, raising the potential for further disruption.
Scotland was also bracing for impact. As reported by The Herald, a yellow weather warning came into force on Monday, November 10, covering much of central and south-west Scotland—including Glasgow—from 10am on Tuesday until the end of the day. The Met Office anticipated 20-40mm of rain, with some spots potentially receiving more than 60mm by nightfall. The affected regions included Central, Tayside & Fife, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, and Strathclyde areas.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) responded by issuing several flood alerts and one specific flood warning. Flood alerts, which cover larger regional areas and are typically issued up to 24 hours in advance, were in effect for Argyll and Bute, Ayrshire and Arran, Central, Dumfries and Galloway, Scottish Borders, and West Central Scotland. A more targeted flood warning was issued for Glen Lyon in Tayside, signaling that flooding was likely in that community. Sepa explained that flood alerts advise people to be prepared, while flood warnings indicate that flooding is imminent or already occurring.
With the ground across the UK already saturated from recent wet weather, the risk of further flooding loomed large. The warnings from both the Met Office and the Environment Agency highlighted not only the potential for flooded roads and fields but also the possibility of hazardous driving conditions, especially during the busy evening commute. Authorities across the country emphasized the importance of vigilance, advising residents to avoid unnecessary travel in affected areas and to heed official updates as the situation evolved.
Adding another layer of complexity to the week’s weather, temperatures—previously well above average for November—were set to drop sharply. According to BBC Weather, although southern England and Wales could see temperatures up to 6C above average later in the week, Scotland was already feeling the chill. Cold Arctic air was expected to begin filtering in from the north on Thursday, November 13, bringing maximum temperatures down to around 6C, which is below average for this time of year. And as this cold air collided with rain-bearing systems, there was even the potential for November snow over the high ground of Scotland—a not uncommon, but always notable, occurrence.
By Friday and Saturday, November 14 and 15, the colder air mass was forecast to spread into Northern Ireland and northern England, with temperatures remaining in single figures. The real cold snap, however, was expected to arrive by late Sunday and into the following week. By Monday, November 17, Arctic air would cover the entire UK, with maximum temperatures ranging from just 4C in the north to 9C in the south. Overnight frosts were also possible, signaling a decisive transition from the unseasonably mild conditions of early November to a much colder, more wintry pattern.
For many, these weather swings serve as a stark reminder of the UK’s famously unpredictable climate. The week’s events have underscored the importance of timely warnings, coordinated responses by agencies like the Met Office, Environment Agency, and Sepa, and the need for communities to remain alert and prepared for sudden changes. As rain continues to fall and cold air settles in, the nation will be watching weather updates closely, hoping for a safe passage through the storms and chills ahead.
