UK weather: Heavy rain expected for much of UK and Met Office yellow warnings in place

Coastal flooding and travel disruption is forecast

The west of the UK will be particularly affected  (Getty Images)

Heavy rain and gusty winds are on the way for most of the country Wednesday. The Met Office have yellow weather warnings in place for south west England and Wales.

This wet and windy weather is due to an area of low pressure that is developing over the Atlantic and, according to Alex Deakin of the Met Office, “intensifying” as it moves up through the UK.

South west England and south west Wales will be the first to feel the effects of the rain and wind with gales of up to 60mph forecast, coastal flooding and the possibility of some “dangerous waves” at high tide.

Mr Deakin said to “expect some travel disruption, especially to ferry services and high sided vehicles” as it is set to be particularly windy in the west.

A yellow rain warning has been issued by the Met Office for south west England and Wales. This is currently in place until Saturday 19 December.

The rain will be persistent in the west Wednesday morning, with 20-30mm expected and the potential for 40-50mm over the high ground.

The rest of the country will experience heavy rain a little later in the day as the band of rain moves across, leaving behind scattered showers.

Thursday will be a much drier day for many parts of the UK. South west and Wales will see more rain showers but this will gradually ease.

Another band of heavy rain moves in Friday as we head into a wet weekend.