Residents across Merseyside woke to a deluge of heavy and persistent rain on Tuesday morning, September 17. While the forecast indicates a brighter afternoon, the Met Office has issued a caution for the coming days, with a meteorologist warning that already saturated ground could lead to surface water flooding as more unsettled weather arrives mid-week.
Key Takeaways
- Heavy rainfall occurred across Merseyside on Tuesday morning, expected to clear by late morning.
- Sunny spells are forecast for Tuesday afternoon, with a maximum temperature of 20°C.
- The Met Office warns of changeable conditions and potential for surface water flooding towards the middle of the week.
- Thursday is expected to be windy with further outbreaks of heavy rain and a maximum temperature of 22°C.
Tuesday's Weather Breakdown
The morning of Tuesday, September 17, began with significant rainfall impacting the entire region. Weather models from both the Met Office and BBC Weather indicated that the most intense period of rain would last until approximately 10 am.
Following the morning downpour, conditions are expected to improve significantly. Forecasters predict a shift to brighter weather, with sunny spells anticipated from midday through to around 6 pm. Despite the wet start, the day is forecast to feel rather humid, with a maximum temperature reaching 20°C.
Evening and Overnight Forecast
The weather is set to become drier into Tuesday evening, offering a brief respite from the rain. A mixture of cloud cover and clear spells is expected overnight. However, the Met Office notes that clouds will build again, with new spells of rain arriving from the southwest by dawn on Wednesday. It will remain breezy and mild, with a minimum temperature of 10°C.
Tuesday, September 17 Forecast
- Morning: Heavy and persistent rain until 10 am.
- Afternoon: Brighter with sunny spells from midday.
- Max Temperature: 20°C.
- Min Temperature (Overnight): 10°C.
Mid-Week Outlook and Flood Warning
The brief improvement in weather is not expected to last, as more unsettled conditions are forecast for the middle of the week. Thursday, in particular, is highlighted as a day of concern.
The Met Office forecast for Thursday predicts a largely cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, which could be heavy at times. In addition to the rain, winds are expected to increase, becoming particularly strong along exposed coasts and over higher ground. The maximum temperature for Thursday is predicted to be slightly warmer at 22°C.
Why Saturated Ground Increases Flood Risk
Recent weeks of wet weather have left the ground across Merseyside and the North West saturated. When the ground is already waterlogged, it cannot absorb additional rainfall effectively. This causes water to run off surfaces quickly, overwhelming drainage systems and leading to surface water flooding, especially in low-lying areas and places with poor drainage.
Met Office Issues Caution
The primary concern for the coming days is the risk of flooding due to the already wet ground. Met Office meteorologist Tom Morgan addressed this issue, highlighting the potential for disruption.
“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 warning suggests that residents should remain vigilant and be prepared for potential travel disruptions caused by flooded roads. The changeable conditions mean that periods of intense rain could quickly lead to hazardous situations.
Staying Safe in Wet and Windy Conditions
With a forecast of heavy rain and strong winds, it is important for residents to take necessary precautions. Driving conditions can become dangerous, and there is an increased risk of localized flooding.
Advice for Drivers
Motorists are advised to be particularly cautious during periods of heavy rain. Here are some key safety tips:
- Reduce Speed: Wet roads can significantly increase stopping distances. It is crucial to slow down and leave more space between your vehicle and the one in front.
- Avoid Standing Water: Do not attempt to drive through floodwater. Just a few inches of water can cause you to lose control of your vehicle, and deeper water can cause serious mechanical damage.
- Use Headlights: Turn on your dipped headlights in heavy rain to ensure you are visible to other drivers.
- Be Aware of Spray: Spray from larger vehicles can reduce visibility to almost zero in an instant. Be prepared and maintain a safe distance.
The combination of rain and wind forecast for Thursday will create challenging conditions, especially for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges. Planning journeys in advance and checking for local travel updates is highly recommended.