Heavy rain and thunderstorms trigger flash-flooding fears across the UK

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to move across the United Kingdom on Thursday, with forecasters warning of flash flooding and travel disruption in several regions. A yellow thunderstorm warning is in place across northern England and north Wales until 10am, with the wet weather then expected to spread into Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and southern England. The forecast also includes hail, lightning and a sharp drop in temperatures after several weeks of hot, dry weather.

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The heaviest rain is expected in northern England and north Wales during the morning, where 15mm to 20mm could fall in an hour. Some places could receive 30mm to 50mm over six hours, raising the risk of localised flooding. The warning comes after a prolonged dry spell following the country's fifth heatwave of the year, which has left the ground harder and less able to absorb sudden rainfall.

Scotland and Northern Ireland are also expected to see showers, although these are forecast to be less intense. Drivers have been urged to take extra care because flooded roads and slippery surfaces are among the main hazards. A road safety spokesperson for the RAC said deposits of oil, fuel and rubber that have built up during the dry weather can make roads greasy when rain first arrives.

Motorists have been advised to slow down, leave more space between vehicles and avoid driving through floodwater where possible. The combination of heavy rain, hail and lightning is also expected to cause wider disruption to travel. The warning matters because it follows an extended period of dry weather that has increased the likelihood of runoff when rain returns.

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After weeks of heat, even moderate rainfall can lead to sudden surface water and flash flooding in vulnerable areas. The forecast also marks a notable change in conditions, with Thursday expected to be the first day since 29 June that temperatures do not reach 25C anywhere in the country. Friday is expected to be cooler still, with temperatures widely below the August average.

The situation also highlights the contrast between recent drought conditions and the risk of intense rainfall events. Experts have said the drought affecting large parts of the UK will not disappear overnight and that a sustained period of rain would be needed to replenish drier areas. That means the immediate concern is not only flooding, but also the impact of sudden weather changes on roads, drainage systems and transport networks.

The warning covers a broad area, so the effects may vary significantly from place to place. What remains unclear is how much rain will fall in the most affected locations and whether any areas will see flooding severe enough to disrupt services for longer periods. The warning is due to remain in place until 10am, but conditions could change as the system moves south and east through the day.

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