Downpours continue for UK with risk of flash flooding
The UK Met Office has issued warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms across large parts of England and Wales, raising concerns about flash flooding. The unstable weather follows a long period of high pressure and is expected to cause travel disruptions.
Why it matters
Severe weather events pose immediate risks to public safety, infrastructure, and transportation networks, requiring timely public warnings.
Image source, PA Media By Ben Rich Lead Weather Presenter Published 20 August 2026, 00:56 BST Updated 3 hours ago Heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect large swathes of the UK on Thursday, bringing the threat of flooding and travel disruption.
A Met Office yellow thunderstorm covering parts of northern England and north Wales has been extended until 13:00 BST on Thursday.
The downpours will drift southwards and eastwards during the day, affecting other parts of Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and southern England.
Drivers are being warned that the return to wet weather could lead to slippery conditions as well as the risk of flooded roads.
Temperatures are also forecast to drop with some places expected to remain below the August average over the next few days.
After a summer that has largely been dominated by high pressure, low pressure has now taken control.
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