Heavy rain will move into the west of the UK on Tuesday evening as Storm Babet brings increasingly wet and windy weather.

The rain will spread more widely across the UK on Wednesday bringing heavy downpours to most parts through the day.

As the rain moves northwards it will stall across central and eastern parts of Scotland where the rain will become heavy and persistent from Thursday through to Saturday. There is a Severe Weather Warning for rain for this area where up to 150-200 mm of rain could accumulate in some areas of higher ground.

On Tuesday in Pembrokeshire, there will be cloud thickening into the afternoon to give perhaps some outbreaks of rain to the far southwest, turning increasingly windy, especially over the higher ground and along the coasts.

It will be often cloudy on Tuesday night but dry, however winds strengthening overnight with the risk of gales around the hills and coasts. Some patchy rain moving into the south by dawn. Minimum temperature 9 °C.

Wednesday is forecast to be a windy day with outbreaks of rain, heavy and possibly thundery, sweeping across the country, with the most persistent during late afternoon.

The outlook for Thursday to Saturday - will see further spells of heavy and persistent rain and showers, perhaps thundery through the period. Some brighter interludes possibly developing at times and feeling rather mild with winds gradually turning lighter.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Steven Keates said: “Storm Babet will bring impactful rain to many parts of the UK, but especially parts of eastern Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England later this week. Heavy and persistent rain will fall onto already saturated ground bringing a risk of flooding.

“It is important to stay up to date with warnings from your local flood warning agency as well as the local authorities.

“As well as heavy rain, Storm Babet will bring some very strong winds and large waves near some eastern coasts too. Gusts in excess of 60mph are possible in eastern and northern Scotland from Thursday. It is likely Met Office warnings will be updated through the week.”