The Met Office has warned that thunderstorms and flooding could pose a danger to life in parts of the UK this weekend. An amber warning has been issued for London and much of south-east England from 4am to 11am on Saturday, with heavy rain expected to cause 'fast flowing or deep flood water'.
Yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place across much of England until 9pm on Saturday, with 15 to 25mm of rain possible in under an hour. Scotland also faces a yellow warning for rain from 4pm on Saturday until midday on Sunday. Forecasters said prolonged downpours moving in from France could lead to significant surface water flooding, particularly in urban areas.
The Met Office warned that flooding of homes and businesses was likely and could happen quickly, with some communities potentially cut off if roads flood. Motorists have been urged to take care, especially as many schools in England and Wales break for the summer holidays, making roads busier.
Under the amber warning, 20 to 40mm of rain could fall in an hour, with up to 70 to 100mm accumulating in just a few hours where heavy downpours persist. London is particularly susceptible to surface water issues due to its many impermeable surfaces. Chief meteorologist Andy Page said the situation is evolving and warnings may be changed or added.
Despite the heavy rain, there will be spells of more pleasant weather with sunny spells in between systems. Temperatures are expected to stay in the high teens to low 20s Celsius, but could reach mid to high 20s in the south during brighter spells. This amber warning is the first for London since January 2024, when Storm Henk swept through central England and Wales.
