UK Weather: Rain Continues with Flash Flooding Risk
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Rain to Continue for UK with Flash Flooding Risk
Image source: PA Media
By Ben Rich, Lead Weather Presenter
Published 7 hours ago
Heavy showers and thunderstorms will persistently affect large areas of the UK on Thursday, raising concerns about flooding and travel disruptions.
A Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning remains active across northern England and north Wales until 10:00 BST on Thursday.
The rainfall will gradually shift southwards and eastwards throughout the day, impacting other regions including Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, and southern England.
Drivers are advised to be cautious as the return to wet weather could create slippery road conditions and flooding risks.
Temperatures are also projected to drop, with many areas expected to stay below the typical August average over the next few days.
Unstable Weather Patterns
After a summer dominated by high pressure, low-pressure systems have taken over, fostering unstable air beneath them. This has facilitated the development of substantial storm clouds capable of intense rainfall, hail, and thunder.
On Thursday morning, northern England and north Wales will experience the brunt of these thunderstorms. The Met Office warns that within the affected area, 15-20mm of rain could accumulate in just an hour, reaching up to 30-50mm over six hours.
Flash flooding is a potential concern, especially in areas where the ground remains parched from the prolonged hot and dry spell. Lightning and hail will further complicate travel.
Showers are anticipated to ease in northern regions during morning, shifting southwards into Wales and central and southern England, where sporadic heavy and thundery downpours are possible.
Motoring Safety
After a prolonged dry period, wet weather can create hazardous driving conditions. The RAC’s Rod Dennis emphasizes the increased risk of skidding on greasy roads due to accumulated oils, fuels, and rubber deposits mixed by light rain. He advises drivers to reduce speed and maintain a safe distance from preceding vehicles.
Drought Continues
Even with returning rainfall, experts caution that the ongoing drought affecting large parts of the UK might not subside immediately. Sustained rainfall over an extended period is necessary to replenish water reserves, and its effectiveness will be evident only in late winter.
However, it’s worth noting that while many areas have experienced significantly below-average rainfall this summer—some locations endured a two-month dry spell—exceptions exist. Aultbea in the Scottish Highlands, for instance, has recorded 389.6mm of rain so far this summer, exceeding its seasonal norm by more than 50%.
Cooler Temperatures Ahead
As northerly winds sweep across the UK, temperatures will drop. Thursday afternoon is expected to bring highs ranging from 13°C to 23°C.
