Bristol is bracing for a rain deluge that could last for up to seven hours, with lashing rain and blustery conditions forecast. More than 30 flood alerts have been put into force across the UK today.
With temperatures sitting around 11 degrees, the Met Office forecast a 95 per cent chance of heavy rain in Bristol today (March 31) which should ease around midday, but will return in the early afternoon and into the night. Motorists are warned of dangerous conditions on the roads. The forecast for today and the weekend highlights outbreaks of rain and it looks set to remain cloudy.
As of 10.30am today there are no flood alerts in Bristol itself, but there is one nearby for the River Chew from Chew Stoke to Keynsham, Chew Stoke Stream and Winford Brook. Elsewhere in the region there is a flood warning for the Dorset coast at Chiswell, with people told to stay away from beaches, promenades, coastal footpaths and roads as the "expected large waves and sea spray will be dangerous".
Read more: Bristol Airport confirms 40-minute delays this morning after 'very busy' period
The Met Office outlook for the South West is detailed below:
Today:
A cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, some of which will be heavy at times, however Cornwall will turn drier and brighter later. Strong winds with coastal gales, at first, but winds easing later. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Tonight:
Further outbreaks of rain, locally heavy throughout the evening and overnight, especially across parts of Devon and Somerset. Drier in the west with clear spells developing. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
Saturday:
A band of rain will continue to affect the east of the region on Saturday. Further west across Devon and Cornwall sunny spells and scattered showers. Still rather breezy. Maximum temperature 12 °C.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Turning drier and brighter on Sunday leading to a cool start on Monday. After a bright day on Monday rain returns late Monday clearing erratically eastwards on Tuesday to showers.
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