Heavy rain is set to hit large areas of the UK on Thursday, with up to four inches (10cm) falling in parts of Scotland.

The Met Office has issued a number of new yellow weather warnings of low-level impacts in the South West and South Wales, the Midlands, parts of northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Severe weather warnings have been published for rain across the UK, with as much as 80mm possible in parts of the west, particularly on higher ground.

Journey times are likely to be longer as spray and flooding affect roads, while bus and train services will probably also suffer.

Some homes and businesses face the threat of flooding as up to three inches (8cm) of rain falls in some parts of the west.

Neil Armstrong, chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “After a relatively calm day on Wednesday, wet and windy weather will move in from the west on Wednesday night.

“Low pressure will drive several days of unsettled conditions with heavy rainfall the main concern.

“Higher ground in eastern Scotland could even see up to 100mm of rain.

“The rain will be falling on already very wet ground and where there is still lying snow in the northwest of England and parts of Scotland, snow melt will exacerbate the risk of flooding.

Wet and windy conditions will replace the previous cold spell that has seen frosts, snow and ice in some regions, from Wednesday night.

Read more:
Find out the forecast for where you live
In pictures: Snow blankets parts of the UK

Western parts of the UK are forecast to be the worst hit, as heavy rain falls on areas still sodden from the previous rainfall.

More heavy rain will arrive on the back of another wave of low pressure, causing further problems during Friday and Saturday morning.

There are currently 22 flood warnings and 111 flood alerts in place across England.

RAC Breakdown spokesman Simon Williams urged drivers to be wary of flooded roads.

“Drivers in the worst-affected areas will need to be on their guard for floods and standing water,” he said.

“Anyone tempted to drive through water that is too deep for their vehicle is risking their safety and a very expensive repair bill near to Christmas or, worse still, the prospect of an insurance write-off.”