By Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas
New weather maps show no relief from rainfall with Britain being further soaked as this week's deluge continues.
The Met Office said much of the country had endured a "wet and mild" day on Wednesday, with the heaviest rain coming in at 93.mm (3.7in) in Capel Curig, Wales.
More rain is expected to sweep across the nation on Thursday and Friday. The day is expected to begin with a solid block of downpours focused in the northwest of England and the central belt of Scotland, with this generally moving to the east throughout the morning.
Other areas in the southwest and south Wales could still however be caught by a separate band of rain in the afternoon, with only a few parts of the southeast staying mostly dry. Widespread, more isolated showers are also likely, lasting into Friday.
Daytime highs of 11-13C will be felt in much of England and Wales, settling at around the mid-to-high single figures in Northern Ireland and Scotland. Maximum temperatures of 16C are even expected in London on Sunday, though this will be accompanied by light rain and generally overcast conditions.
The latest forecast comes as meteorologists outline a generally wet and "unsettled" picture for the next part of the month, with thunderstorms, showers and prolonged spells of rain tipped for the days ahead. The Met Office's long-range forecast for March 15 to 24 reads: "From the end of the week a broadly unsettled pattern continues. Friday likely seeing longer spells of rain clearing northern areas whilst showers, sometimes heavy with thunderstorms developing elsewhere, though some brighter spells at times and clearing skies overnight." Temperatures are however expected to stay mostly mild throughout this period.
Recent rainy weather has meant river levels remain high in many parts of Britain, and 25 Environment Agency flood warnings and 140 flood alerts were still in place in England early on Thursday morning. The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency and Natural Resources Wales also have a number of alerts in force, including for coastal flooding.
UK weather forecast
Thursday:
A band of cloud and rain continue to move northwards across Scotland. Elsewhere rather cloudy, a few showers developing here and there during the afternoon. Feeling mild, particularly overnight.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Sunshine and showers on Friday. Cooler and more settled on Saturday, with a widespread frost in the North. Turning milder and unsettled again from the West through Saturday afternoon.