After what felt like a summer dry run, parts of England are about to get a major reality check — in the form of thundery downpours and unpredictable skies.
The Met Office has just issued a yellow weather warning, and it’s sounding like tomorrow is going to be quite the ride.
Thunderstorms Expected to Soak the South and Midlands
Get your umbrellas (and maybe your flood plans) ready — southern England, London, the Midlands, and South Wales are all under a yellow thunderstorm alert from 9am to 6pm on Saturday.
Weather experts are warning that some areas could see more rain in a single morning than they got throughout the entire month of May.
Some places might be hit with up to 15mm of rain in under an hour, while others could see up to 40mm over a few hours as back-to-back storms roll in.
And that’s not even factoring in the lightning, hail, gusty winds, and travel chaos that may come along for the ride.
From the Driest Spring in Over a Century to Flood Warnings
To put things in perspective: last month, England saw just 32.8mm of rain, barely half of what’s considered normal for May.
In fact, this spring has gone down as the driest since the 1890s, and one of the warmest and sunniest on record across the UK.
But this weekend? The skies are planning a dramatic comeback.
Travel Disruptions and Infrastructure Risks
With all this expected rainfall, drivers and commuters have been told to brace for delays.
The Met Office is warning of difficult driving conditions, especially with spray, standing water, hail, and potential flooding.
Some train services could be affected, and there’s even a chance of lightning damage to buildings and short power cuts.
If you’re travelling, experts suggest checking timetables and road conditions, and if your area is prone to flooding — get that emergency kit ready just in case.
What You Should Do to Stay Safe
Here’s what the Met Office wants you to keep in mind:
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Avoid sheltering under trees if you’re outside and hear thunder — cars are a much safer option.
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Prepare for the possibility of power outages by charging up devices and gathering torches, batteries, and any essentials.
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If you’re in a flood-prone area, consider drawing up a flood plan now — not after it’s too late.
Gales, Hail, and More on the Horizon
It’s not just rain.
Coastal areas in the South may also experience gale-force winds up to 50mph, with hail and storm gusts adding to the chaos inland.
And while Sunday looks a bit calmer, rain is expected to return to northern England by Monday.
Farmers Hope for Rain, But Not All at Once
Not everyone is dreading the wet forecast.
Many farmers, who’ve been battling extreme dryness, are hoping this rainfall can help — though some say the heavy bursts aren’t ideal.
Rachel Hallos of the National Farmers’ Union explained that what farms really need is steady, gentle rain to soak into the soil, not sudden downpours that cause runoff and erosion.
The situation has made it clear: long-term investment in water management, like rainwater harvesting, is more important than ever.
Drivers Urged to Be Extra Cautious
Luke Hindle from National Highways chimed in with some road advice: if it’s wet, slow down.
Wet roads reduce grip, increase stopping distance, and cut down visibility.
Simple things like leaving more space between cars can prevent accidents — especially with fast-changing weather on the way.
Will Hosepipe Bans Follow?
With England’s driest spring in over 50 years, there’s growing talk about water restrictions.
A few areas, like north-west England, are already in drought conditions.
One private water supplier in Derbyshire has even introduced a hosepipe ban — a first this year.
While most major water companies haven’t yet imposed restrictions, the Environment Agency says bans may be necessary this summer if we don’t get consistent rainfall soon.
Thames Water, which serves 16 million people, admitted they can’t promise to avoid future bans.
What’s Coming Next Week?
Looking ahead, next week will bring some good news — temperatures are set to rise, possibly reaching 25°C in London and 23°C in Manchester by Wednesday.
But until then, keep your raincoat close, your torch charged, and maybe push any outdoor BBQ plans to Sunday.