'Tis the season for your brolly!

Yet more heavy rain is forecast for the next few days across the South West. The Met Office says we are in for a mixture of blustery showers, gales and a risk of more flooding. Meanwhile, anyone hoping that 2013 will bring an end to the wet and miserable weather will be sadly mistaken. The first week of January will continue largely unsettled and often windy, with occasionally heavy bands of rain crossing the UK, separated by clearer but more showery interludes. Western and southwestern parts are considered most likely to see the heaviest rain with temperatures near or just below average to the north, but rather mild at times further south. Local overnight frost remains likely during clearer, showery interludes. Looking ahead to the first couple of weeks of the New Year and again unsettled weather is likely to persist with low pressure expected to be dominant near the British Isles, bringing further spells of wet and windy weather to most regions. Rainfall amounts are expected to remain above average for most parts of England and Wales, while temperatures are likely to often be close to or perhaps a little above average. However, later on in the month the risk of spells of colder than average conditions increases. Here is the Met Office's five-day forecast: Today: Early sunny spells and heavy showers will be replaced by a band of heavy rain sweeping eastwards on strong winds, followed in turn by further heavy blustery showers. Further localised flooding is possible given the already saturated ground. Maximum Temperature 11 °C. Tonight: Becoming drier for a time during the evening, however further showers will follow in from the west on the continuing breeze, with a pulse of more persistent rain following later. Minimum Temperature 5 °C. Thursday: A wet start, with heavy rain sweeping eastwards on strong winds. This rain should ease and clear to brighter conditions and a few showers during the afternoon. Maximum Temperature 9 °C. Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Mild but very unsettled, with gales and further rain Friday, the rain heavy and persistent in the west. Becoming brighter but colder over the weekend, with brisk winds and showers.