Met Office names 59 UK areas under yellow warning before Friday

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings affecting 59 areas across England and Wales for heavy rain and possible strong winds on Thursday, January 15; ice may cause travel disruption on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings covering 59 local authority areas in England and Wales ahead of Friday. A deepening area of low pressure is expected to move northeast across the region on Thursday, January 15. The agency says the system will bring heavy rain and potentially strong winds, with a warning active from 9am until 11.59pm on Thursday for parts of south and southwest England. Key details: - The yellow warning is in place for 59 areas and runs from 09:00 to 23:59 on Thursday, January 15. - Ice is reported as a possible cause of travel disruption on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in affected areas. - The Met Office says heavy rain falling on saturated ground may cause surface water flooding and that a small number of homes and businesses could be affected. - Isolated spots could see up to 70mm of rain, most likely in parts of southwest England, and transient snow is possible on higher ground on Thursday evening and night. Summary: Officials say a low-pressure system will bring heavy rain and potential strong winds across England and Wales on Thursday. The yellow warning is active for many areas between 9am and 11.59pm on January 15. The Met Office is monitoring the system as its exact track and intensity remain uncertain.