London faces thunderstorm disruption and flood risk
Met Office issues yellow warnings for heavy rain and lightning across the capital on Wednesday and Thursday.
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Londoners are being advised to prepare for significant weather disruption as intense thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast for Wednesday and Thursday. The Met Office has issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms across the capital, signalling a risk of localised flooding, travel delays, and lightning strikes.
Wednesday's forecast
Yellow thunderstorm warning issued for London
The Met Office predicts heavy downpours and a risk of flash floods across the capital.
A yellow warning for thunderstorms is active from 3am to 10pm on Wednesday. The Met Office predicts that warm and humid conditions will bring a growing chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Some areas could experience 20-30mm of rain in less than an hour, with up to 50mm possible in two to three hours. This intense rainfall raises the possibility of surface water flooding, which could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. The weather service also warned of a small risk of damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning, or hail.
Increased road risks
The RAC has cautioned drivers about heightened risks on the roads. Following a prolonged dry spell, oil, fuel, and rubber deposits have accumulated on road surfaces. Light rain can mix these deposits, creating a greasy surface that significantly increases the risk of skidding. Rod Dennis, RAC road safety spokesman, stated that drivers should reduce their speed in any rainfall and maintain a greater distance from the vehicle ahead to prevent collisions.
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Thursday's outlook
The unsettled weather is expected to continue into Thursday, with another yellow warning for thunderstorms in place from 6am to 10pm. The Met Office anticipates that slow-moving, heavy, and thundery rain could bring prolonged rainfall to some parts of England, including London. Forecasters expect 20-30mm of rain in three hours to be widespread, with up to 50mm possible in a 12-hour period in some locations. There is a small chance that some areas could see more than 50mm of rain in three hours and over 75mm in 12 hours. The potential for fast-flowing or deep floodwater, posing a danger to life, has also been highlighted, along with a small chance of homes and businesses being flooded quickly.
Preparations advised
The Met Office advises the public to secure any movable objects or temporary structures, such as bins, garden furniture, trampolines, sheds, and fences, ahead of gusty winds. The unsettled conditions may persist into Friday and the weekend, with further showers or longer spells of rain possible.
Questions this report answers
+What is the weather forecast for London on Wednesday?
A yellow warning for thunderstorms is in effect across London from 3am to 10pm on Wednesday. The Met Office forecasts heavy rain, with the potential for 20-30mm of rain in under an hour and up to 50mm in two to three hours, leading to a risk of localised flooding and travel disruption.
+What are the risks for drivers during the thunderstorms?
Drivers face an increased risk of skidding due to oil, fuel, and rubber deposits that have built up on roads during the dry spell. These deposits can mix with rain to create greasy surfaces. The RAC advises drivers to reduce speed and increase following distance during rainfall.
+What is the forecast for Thursday?
A further yellow warning for thunderstorms is active across London from 6am to 10pm on Thursday. Heavy and thundery rain is expected, with the potential for prolonged rainfall. Forecasters anticipate 20-30mm of rain in three hours widely, and up to 50mm in 12 hours in places, with a risk of flooding.
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