The UK is forecast to face a massive rainstorm stretching about 600 miles starting around August 27, 2025. This rainstorm threatens to break the dry spell the country has been experiencing this summer. After one of the warmest Julys on record, the weather pattern is about to shift dramatically.
The Met Office and independent forecasters warn of Atlantic systems moving across the UK, especially affecting northern and western areas. The rainstorm is expected to bring wet and windy conditions, though there is some uncertainty about the exact impact. The rain is expected to last roughly 24 hours and reach up to 3 mm per hour, primarily in northern England by August 28.
Regions in southern Scotland and the East Midlands are projected to be hardest hit by this extensive rainfall. Other parts of the UK, such as Aberdeenshire, Somerset, Middlesex, Kent, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk, and Cambridgeshire, may miss the worst of the rain. London might see some rainfall, but it is likely to avoid the heaviest downpours.
Thunderstorms are forecast for parts of the West Midlands, including cities like Birmingham, Coventry, Stoke-on-Trent, and Wolverhampton, on August 28 and 29. The thunder and showers will accompany cooler temperatures than those seen during heatwaves.
The storm is linked to Hurricane Erin, which is currently in the Atlantic. This hurricane has been upgraded to category four and is expected to send low-pressure systems towards the UK, pushing unsettled and stormy weather across the country. The Met Office has said that the low pressure from Hurricane Erin is causing uncertainty in the forecast.
For much of the bank holiday weekend, high pressure will bring fine and dry weather. But this will be undermined by the Atlantic weather systems moving in from the west in the last week of August. The Met Office’s long-range forecast indicates a slight chance of widespread wet and windy conditions developing, but it remains uncertain how strong or extensive these will be.
The rainstorm marks a large departure from the sunshine and warmth experienced across the UK earlier in August. The summer of 2025 is shaping up to be one of the hottest on record, with consistent warmth in June and July. Despite this, water shortages have been a concern in parts of England. The rain from this storm could provide some relief from drought issues.
In summary, people across the UK should prepare for heavy rain, thunder, and strong winds, especially in the north and west, from around August 27. It is advisable to stay updated with the Met Office and National Severe Weather Warnings for any changes or safety guidance as the storm approaches. Flexibility in plans is recommended, as the weather could turn stormy unexpectedly.