The Environment Agency has escalated its flood response across the United Kingdom, issuing a significant total of 91 official flood warnings as persistent and heavy rainfall continues to drench the country. The West and East Midlands have been identified among the worst-affected regions, facing imminent flooding risks from swollen rivers and saturated ground.
Widespread Flood Alerts Across England and Wales
By Saturday morning, the Environment Agency had further expanded its advisory network, issuing an additional 261 flood alerts across vast swathes of England. These alerts indicate areas where flooding is possible and residents should remain prepared. Meanwhile, Natural Resources Wales has activated 11 flood alerts for communities across Wales, highlighting the widespread nature of the weather system.
Local Emergency Services Issue Critical Warnings
Local emergency services are responding to the escalating situation. Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service issued a specific and urgent caution regarding the River Dene, stating: "Due to heavy prolonged rainfall today the local levels at River Dene have risen to a state where flooding is imminent." This underscores the immediate danger posed to properties and infrastructure in vulnerable areas.
Record Wet Start to the Year
The current deluge follows an exceptionally wet start to 2026. The Met Office confirmed that precipitation has occurred daily throughout the year so far in south-western England and South Wales. Both regions endured a January with rainfall levels approximately 50% above the seasonal norm, significantly increasing ground saturation and reducing the land's capacity to absorb further water.
Weekend and Early Week Forecast
Forecasters predict that southern coastal areas in the south-west will encounter gusty downpours on Saturday, while South Wales is also braced for substantial showers. Sunday is expected to bring a brief respite with intermittent showers and spells of sunshine. However, additional wet and blustery conditions are forecast to sweep in from the west as the new week commences, potentially exacerbating the existing flood situation.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin summarised the conditions, noting: "Friday's been a very soggy day across a good chunk of the country, cold wind continuing to feed in the cloud and the moisture across north-east England and eastern Scotland." This pattern of moisture-laden winds is a key driver of the ongoing rainfall affecting multiple regions.
