Storm Desmond broke the United Kingdom 's 24-hour rainfall record , with 341.4 mm of rain falling in Honister Pass , Cumbria , on 5 December . The previous record was set in 2009 , also in Cumbria , when 316.4 mm of rain fell in Seathwaite . The highest standard 0900 GMT - 0900 GMT rain day record however remains 279 mm at Martinstown , Dorset set on 18 July 1955 , as much of the historical data is recorded in this way . The 48‑hour rainfall record also looked set to be beaten , with Thirlmere reporting 405 mm of rain falling up to 0800 GMT on 6 December 2015 , compared to the previous record of 395.6 mm on 18 – 19 November 2009 at Seathwaite
in 2009
2009 Great Britain and Ireland floods
Storm Desmond