UK weather: Met Office says Britain to be battered by heavy rain and strong winds as powerful jet stream roars in

Met Office forecasters are warning of more wet and windy days as unsettled conditions look set to continue throughout January.

Heavy downpours and strong winds are expected to batter Britain as the La Nina system and its effects on the jet stream continue to cause erratic weather for the first half of January.

All parts of the country are expected to feel the wrath of the blustery conditions, with the west and northwest being most affected.

A yellow weather warning is in place for various parts of the UK including in regions of Scotland and South of Wales.

Flood advisories have also been issued by Natural Resources Wales, the Scottish Environment Protection and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

In its latest monthly forecast, the Met Office said: “A westerly regime is most likely for the UK in the first part of January, which means wet and windy conditions for many.

"Rain or showers will often be heaviest and most frequent in the west and northwest but areas further south and east are by no means immune.

"Temperatures are expected to be near or above average overall, with any sleet or snow most likely restricted to high ground in the north."

Weather experts at the forecasting agency said there are “some indications” that the jet stream will weaken towards the middle of January.

Today:

A band of rain will clear from most parts this morning, followed by further showery rain across southern Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. Becoming mostly dry elsewhere. Mild and windy for most.

Tonight:

Showery rain across some northern parts easing. Clear spells for a time, before further rain and drizzle reaches the southwest later. Patchy frost in the far north, else mild.

Thursday:

After a bright start in the north and east, outbreaks of rain and drizzle in the southwest will affect most areas. Windy, with coastal gales in the west. Staying mild.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Briefly drier for many Friday before more wet weather sweeps east overnight. A weekend of sunny intervals and heavy blustery showers with strong winds and temperatures close to average.