HERE we go again....

Rain-lashed Hampshire residents are being warned to brace themselves for yet another soaking as more rain sweeps in from the Atlantic.

Yesterday it was confirmed that many parts of England, including Hampshire, have endured the wettest January on record.

A huge area from east Devon to Kent saw twice the average rainfall for a month.

Now weather experts say the south could see up to 35mm of rain falling on already saturated ground over the next few days.

The Environment Agency has issued a flood warning for the River Meon between Titchfield and Wickham and the River Itchen.

An agency spokesman said: “The outlook for today is for widespread, locally heavy rain clearing in the early hours of Saturday.

“The risk of property flooding in Wickham is low at the moment but this will change if the rainfall forecast for Friday occurs. The river will respond quickly.

“Residents at Titchfield and Wickham should be aware of the increased risk of flooding today.” But the weekend downpours could also cause problems elsewhere in the Southampton area, especially those on or near the coast.

The spokesman added: “Heavy rainfall today will fall on saturated ground and may lead to a low flood risk from river and surface water flooding across the south west and southern England.

“Strong winds and large waves are expected along the southern coast.

“Minor disruption from coastal flooding is possible along these coastlines this evening. Minor impacts may include flooding of lowlying coastal areas and spray overtopping promenades.

“The coastal flood risk is likely to increase over the weekend as waves and winds with more significant impacts are expected.”

A Met Office spokesman added: “There’s going to be a lot of rain around this afternoon. Saturday and Sunday are respite days but Monday will see the start of another weather system.”

Some communities are likely to see rainfall of only 10-20mm, not unusual for this time of year.

But the spokesman added: “If you’re a farmer whose fields have not yet flooded, 10-20mm could be enough to push you over the edge.”