Heavy thunderstorms set to bring travel disruption across England
Warnings issued for heavy rain and storms this week
Last updated 26th Aug 2026
Forecasters are warning of intense thunderstorms and heavy rain across much of England and Wales this week, threatening travel disruption.
The Met Office expects a band of showers and thunderstorms to move northwards on Wednesday morning, prompted by warm, humid conditions.
England and Wales are experiencing drought conditions following a hot summer, which included record temperatures up to 38.1C.
Met Office chief forecaster Steve Willington said: “As we move into Wednesday there is a growing risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with warm and humid air helping to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms.
“Some places could see significant amounts of rain falling in a short period of time, bringing the potential for localised flooding, travel disruption and frequent lightning.”
A yellow warning is in effect from 3am to 10pm on Wednesday across many regions, including London, the South East, the Midlands, and parts of the North West and South West, as well as eastern Wales.
Forecasters have warned that showers and thunderstorms may be intense, leading to surface water flooding, difficult driving conditions, and possible road closures.
The Met Office has issued another yellow warning from 6am to 10pm on Thursday covering large parts of England including Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Suffolk, Hampshire, West Berkshire, Surrey, Buckinghamshire, West Sussex, Oxfordshire, and Northamptonshire.
Experts warn of the potential danger from fast-flowing floodwater, damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail, and strong winds, with a small chance of significant rainfall.
RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis highlighted the increased risk to drivers due to the recent dry conditions, which may lead to slippery roads and flash floods.
“Oil, fuel and rubber deposits that have built up will now have been mixed together by light rain, instead of being washed away, which means drivers are at greater risk of skidding on greasy roads,” Dennis said.
Unsettled conditions may persist into Friday and the weekend, with forecasts of further showers and spells of rain.