The Met Office has named 22 areas across the UK that are set to face heavy rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday, 26 August, with some places potentially seeing 20 to 30mm of rain in just a few hours.
Weather maps indicate that the south of England will be the most affected region, but rain is also expected in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. The wet conditions are likely to arrive as early as Wednesday morning, with parts of Northern Ireland possibly seeing rain at around 7:30am.
Forecast details
A Met Office forecast for the day reads: "Bands of heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue to move northwards through the day. Sunnier moments in between, where it will feel very warm and humid, especially in the south."
The maps show thunderstorms moving towards northern England during the day. Some areas could see up to 16mm of rain per hour, while others might see 20-30mm.
Wider outlook
The Met Office added: "As warmer and more humid air moves north across the UK, there is an increasing likelihood of some heavy rain developing. Some places could see 20 to 30mm of rain in just a few hours, while there is also the potential for higher totals where thunderstorms repeatedly affect the same locations."
"The detail of which areas will see the heaviest rainfall is still uncertain, so stay up to date with the forecast this week to keep updated on the increasing risk of impactful weather during the latter part of the week."
Weather maps show a band of rain stretching from Kent in the southeast, through London and parts of the Midlands, and up to North Wales.
List of areas affected
In a post on X, the Met Office also said: "After a settled weekend, low pressure is expected to take charge this week, bringing warmer, more humid air and an increased chance of rain and thunderstorms."
The 22 areas named for rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday are:
- County Down
- County Armagh
- Shropshire
- Staffordshire
- Herefordshire
- Worcestershire
- Warwickshire
- Derbyshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Leicestershire
- Northamptonshire
- Gloucestershire
- Wiltshire
- Oxfordshire
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Middlesex
- Sussex
- Greater London
- Kent
- Monmouthshire
- Montgomeryshire
