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UK Braces for Downpours: Flooding Risk Looms
19 Aug
Summary
- Heavy rain and thunderstorms are forecast across much of the UK on Wednesday.
- England and Wales face an 'intense downpour' with a risk of flooding.
- Despite drought, heavy rain may cause surface water flooding on dry ground.
Heavy thunderstorms and rain are anticipated across the UK on Wednesday, with specific warnings of potential flooding for parts of England and Wales. An "intense downpour" is forecast for these regions, while Scotland and northern England could experience hail.
Meteorologist Clare Nasir indicated that rain would start across western Scotland and Northern Ireland, extending southwards to central and southern areas. Showers are expected to continue throughout England and Wales, with potential for impactful weather in the morning.
By Thursday, the low-pressure system is expected to push towards England and Wales, bringing higher rainfall, thunder, lightning, and hail to northern England. Wales and Northern Ireland may also see showers. The Environment Agency has forecasted local flooding from surface water in Northwest England on Wednesday evening, and in North, East England, and the Midlands on Thursday.
This wet weather comes as 27 million people are under water use restrictions following the driest July on record for England and Wales. However, the Met Office cautions that this rain might not solve drought issues and could instead cause flooding as it falls on dry, hard ground. Travel disruption and flooding of land, roads, and properties are possible.
