The Met Office has warned residents in Bootle, Merseyside, to prepare for rain and cold conditions on 3 February 2026, as already-soaked ground increases the risk of local flooding after one of the wettest Januaries on record.
The Environment Agency says soil in the area is saturated and cannot absorb much more water. Because the ground is so wet, even modest rainfall can quickly lead to surface-water flooding on local roads and in gardens near the River Alt.
While some snow is expected on higher ground today, people in Bootle will likely see a mix of rain and sleet. Cold easterly winds will make the air feel around 1°C, a marked change from the milder conditions in January.
Sefton Council, the Environment Agency and United Utilities are monitoring the River Alt and the Lunt Meadows flood storage area to help protect homes. Local flood records and The Flood Hub note that low-lying streets such as Bowles Street have a history of drainage problems and are vulnerable because drains can fill quickly during heavy winter rain.
