Liverpool is set for a day of mixed weather conditions today, September 16, with periods of rain in the morning expected to give way to sunny intervals later in the day. This forecast follows a period of intense weather that saw a yellow warning for wind issued across Merseyside, with gusts reaching up to 51mph.
Forecasters from the Met Office describe the outlook as "changeable," a pattern expected to continue for the remainder of the week. Residents can anticipate showers, longer spells of rain, and some brighter periods, with temperatures remaining close to the seasonal average.
Key Takeaways
- Tuesday's Forecast: Rain is predicted between 9am and 11am, followed by sunny spells in the afternoon.
- Overnight Conditions: Heavier, persistent rain is expected overnight into Wednesday, accompanied by strengthening winds.
- Recent Severe Weather: A yellow weather warning was in effect until Monday evening, with wind speeds in Merseyside peaking at 51mph.
- Mid-Week Outlook: Wednesday will see heavy morning rain clearing for a brighter, humid afternoon with a maximum temperature of 21°C.
- Flood Warning: A Met Office meteorologist has noted that saturated ground increases the risk of surface water flooding with further rainfall.
Detailed Forecast for Tuesday, September 16
Residents in Liverpool should prepare for a varied day of weather. According to the Met Office, the morning will be marked by rainfall, with the highest probability of showers occurring between 9am and 11am. This aligns with the forecast from BBC Weather, which also predicts a mostly cloudy start with showers.
However, conditions are expected to improve as the day progresses. Forecasters anticipate the rain will clear around midday, making way for sunny intervals during the afternoon. Despite the brighter spells, it will remain breezy, though the winds are expected to ease later in the day compared to the strong gusts experienced on Monday.
Overnight Transition to Heavier Rain
The clearer afternoon weather is forecast to be short-lived. By Tuesday evening, clouds are expected to build once again across the region. This will lead to spells of rain overnight, which are predicted to become heavy and persistent into the early hours of Wednesday morning.
In addition to the heavy downpours, winds are also set to pick up again towards the end of the night, creating challenging conditions for early morning commuters on Wednesday.
Tuesday's Weather at a Glance
- Morning (9am - 11am): High chance of rain.
- Lunchtime (Midday): Showers expected to clear.
- Afternoon: Sunny intervals and easing winds.
- Evening/Overnight: Increasing cloud, leading to heavy and persistent rain.
Wednesday and the Rest of the Week
The Met Office's forecast for the North West region indicates that the heavy, persistent rain will move eastwards through Wednesday morning. This will allow for bright or sunny spells to develop across Liverpool during the afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 21°C, making the afternoon feel rather humid. Breezy conditions will persist throughout the day.
Understanding 'Changeable' Conditions
When forecasters use the term "changeable," it typically signifies an unsettled weather pattern common in the UK's autumn season. This means residents should be prepared for rapid shifts in weather, from sunshine to heavy rain, often within the same day. It is advisable to carry waterproof clothing and check forecasts regularly before making plans.
Looking ahead to the period from Thursday to Saturday, the unsettled theme continues. The forecast suggests a mix of showers and longer spells of rain at times. However, there will also be some brighter periods. Temperatures are expected to remain fairly close to the seasonal average for mid-September.
Recap of Recent Wind Warning
The current forecast follows a turbulent start to the week for Merseyside. A yellow weather warning for wind was issued by the Met Office, beginning at 8pm on Sunday, September 14, and remaining in place until 6pm on Monday, September 15.
During this period, strong and gusty winds battered the region, with speeds peaking at approximately 51mph in Merseyside. This is equivalent to a 'Strong Gale' on the Beaufort scale, capable of causing slight structural damage and making travel difficult.
Forecasters had warned that the winds were likely to cause some disruption to travel and potential interruptions to power supplies. The high winds combined with periods of rain created hazardous conditions across the area.
Expert Warns of Potential Flooding
With more rain on the way, the ground across the region is already saturated from recent downpours. This has prompted a warning from meteorologists about the potential for localized flooding.
Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan stated: “The ground has started to become fairly wet over recent weeks and it will not take a huge amount more for there to be some surface water, potentially some flooding issues as we go towards the middle part of the week.”
This means that even moderate rainfall could lead to surface water pooling on roads and in low-lying areas, potentially causing disruption to travel. Residents in areas prone to flooding are advised to remain vigilant and monitor updates from the Environment Agency.