The UK is bracing for a turbulent weather pattern, with the Met Office issuing warnings for heavy rain and flooding risks in several regions. The eastern parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of England and Wales are in for a soaking, with significant rainfall totals and the potential for flooding. Strong winds will accompany the rain, particularly in the northeast of Scotland, making for a particularly unpleasant experience. As if that wasn't enough, Storm Ingrid, named by the Portuguese weather service, will bring rain and strengthening winds to the southwest of England and Wales on Friday. The heavy rain and strong winds have already continued in eastern Scotland, where an amber warning is in force for Grampian, Angus, and Perth and Kinross until 18:00 GMT. Rainfall accumulations of 60-80mm are likely, with as much as 100-120mm over high ground. This is expected to lead to some surface water and river flooding across the area. There is also a wider yellow warning across the rest of eastern Scotland where rainfall accumulations of 30-60mm will be seen widely. The Met Office warns that with the ground already saturated from recent rain and snow thaw, this may lead to some flooding in places. A strong south-easterly wind in northeast Scotland will also make it feel particularly unpleasant. Additional yellow warnings are in force on Thursday across southeast Wales, Somerset, and Devon from 08:00 to 16:00 and Northern Ireland from 10:00 to 23:59. Persistent and heavy rain in these areas through the day falling on saturated ground could lead to some flooding and transport disruption. On Thursday morning, there were nearly 160 flood warnings in force across England, Scotland, and Wales. While the rest of the UK will avoid any impacts associated with Storm Ingrid, the rain in eastern Scotland will continue, with some snow over higher ground. Drawing in colder air from northeast Europe, temperatures will start to drop over the weekend and next week with a cold snap. By Monday, temperatures will fall to 4 to 6C below the average for the end of January. The easterly wind will also likely bring occasional wintry showers, with snow for some parts of the UK. Where exactly, and how much snow, is not yet certain, but wintry hazards are likely.
