Heavy rain set to continue all week

Devon is on course for more bad weather as the Met Office predicts heavy rain and strong wind from tonight until the end of the week.

The forecasters say that several more areas of low pressure, bringing heavy rainfall are expected to hit the county from tonight onwards.

The fresh wind and rain bring with them more pressure from flooding in much of the South West particularly in areas already badly affected by the recent exceptional rainfall.

The Met Office’s chief forecaster said: “There remains some uncertainty in timing of the frontal system, but 10 to 20 mm rainfall is likely quite widely, with over 30 mm possible across parts of South Wales and southwest England.

“With ongoing flooding in some places, any further rain will only add to the problems. Very gusty winds may be an added hazard in places.”

Whilst the weather is expected to clear briefly with a brighter but showery interlude on Wednesday morning a further spell of heavy, widespread rain is expected in the afternoon and remain overnight.

Thursday afternoon is also expected to be showery but clearer than much of the rest of the week however long range forecasts indicate that heavy persistent rain and high speed gales will return of Friday afternoon.

However the Met Office chief forecaster cautions that the long-range predictions may change as more information becomes available.

The Chief Forecaster said:  “As is usual this far ahead, there is considerable uncertainty in the track of the system and therefore the location of the most intense rainfall.

“However, it seems likely that around 10 to 20 mm of rain will fall widely across England and Wales, with over 30 mm possible across parts of South Wales and South West England. With ongoing flooding in some areas, any further rain will only exacerbate the situation.”