Downpours set to continue

Britain was lashed with torrential downpours today, with more rain expected for much of the week. Flood warnings have been issued as a low pressure system sweeps in from the Atlantic.

The north of England and the South West were expected to bear the brunt of the showers today, with the Midlands and East Anglia also experiencing heavy rain.

The Environment Agency said there are a number of flood warnings in place in the North West and the Midlands.

Heavy rain in the South West, meanwhile, threatened to hamper the clean-up operation in Boscastle in north Cornwall as the wet weather sparked fears of further flooding.

A band of rain is expected to move slowly northwards today from the South West and East Anglia and up through the Midlands and the North.

Thunderstorms could follow brief sunny spells in western parts of Britain, Wales and Northern Ireland - increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Scotland will also be wet throughout the day with persistent, heavy rain for many places.

Torrential downpours will persist until at least midweek with more unsettled conditions forecast.

Tomorrow, most of the UK will be breezy with sunny spells and heavy showers.
On Wednesday the picture looks no brighter with torrential rain, likely to be accompanied with hail and thunder.