Parts of the United Kingdom are experiencing a significant washout over the Bank Holiday weekend, following overnight torrential rain that caused widespread flooding, particularly in the West Midlands. Homes and businesses in Birmingham were deluged, with water in some areas reaching depths of up to 3 feet, transforming streets into rivers.
The Environment Agency issued 42 flood alerts across the Midlands and South East, and a specific flood warning was in place for the River Maun in Nottinghamshire. Some regions recorded rainfall between 50 to 75 millimeters (2 to 3 inches), accompanied by lightning and hail, despite temperatures reaching as high as 28C (82F).
Flash flooding in Birmingham's Perry Bar area affected 32 properties, with reports of people trapped in a local pub. Lichfield, Staffordshire, recorded the highest rainfall, with 52.8mm (2.1 inches) in a few hours. Drayton Manor theme park, located near Tamworth, Staffs., announced its closure due to adverse weather and flooding conditions.
This severe weather follows a period of prolonged heatwaves, with drought conditions declared in three-quarters of England and Wales. August had only received 17% of its average rainfall by the 18th, and July was noted as the driest on record since the 19th century.
The forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend indicates a mixed picture. The Met Office anticipates 10-30mm (0.4-1.2 inches) of rain for most of England and Wales, with up to 50mm (2 inches) possible in western areas. While some southern regions may experience sunshine, rain is expected to become more prevalent in northeastern parts of the country.
Travel is expected to be significantly impacted. An estimated 20 million car journeys are planned between Friday and Monday, the highest number recorded by the RAC since 2015. The busiest travel day, anticipated on Friday, is likely to face substantial traffic congestion. Rail services will also see disruptions, with the West Coast route between London Euston and the Midlands/North being the only one of three main lines fully operational on Sunday. The East Coast Main Line will be closed between London King’s Cross and Peterborough on Sunday for signaling work. Furthermore, strike action will lead to a significantly reduced service on the East Midlands Railway on Sunday and Monday. Engineering works are also affecting lines around Birmingham, between Leeds and York, and various routes in London and southern England.
The unsettled weather is predicted to continue into the following week, with showers or longer periods of rain expected across all areas, potentially accompanied by strong winds. However, there is a possibility of warmer, drier weather returning later in September, particularly in the South, with a chance of some hot spells.