Following one of the hottest and driest summers on record, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy showers and thunderstorms. The downpours are expected to hit today and continue through Thursday across parts of east Wales, the Midlands, northern England, East Anglia, and southern England. This is expected to be one of the most widespread outbreaks of heavy rain across southern and central parts of the UK this summer.
Severe weather can significantly affect driving by reducing visibility through windscreen spray, creating glare, and obscuring road markings. Reduced tyre traction and aquaplaning, which occurs when a layer of water builds up beneath the tyres, can also increase stopping distances. Motoring experts warn that sudden shifts in weather can create serious safety risks and potential legal issues for road users.
Dan Briggs, chief executive officer of frontline worker car discount company Motorfinity, explained that the initial period of a storm can be particularly hazardous. “Summer thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous times to be on the road, especially during those first 10 minutes,” Mr Briggs said. “When it hasn’t rained for weeks, oil, grease, and rubber bake into the tarmac and then the moment a summer thunderstorm hits, all that grime lifts to the surface, turning the road into an absolute ice rink. Drivers used to their own summer driving pace may not adjust their speed and end up hydroplaning or sliding right off the road.”
Beyond physical driving risks, motorists can also face penalties under UK traffic laws during wet weather. “Many people may not know this, but under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it’s illegal to drive through puddles that result in a pedestrian being splashed,” Mr Briggs said. “This relates to driving ‘without reasonable consideration for other persons,’ and if found guilty, can mean a £100 fine and three penalty points lost. So, while rainy conditions can reduce your visibility, it’s important to stay aware of upcoming puddles and pedestrians and slow down while approaching them.”
Essential advice for navigating wet roads
To help drivers navigate hazardous rainy roads safely, Mr Briggs shared three main recommendations
Perform a quick vehicle check
Before heading out, especially if you are driving to work at night, give your car a quick three-minute check. Inspect the front and rear windscreen wipers for cracking, splitting, or trapped debris. Replace the blades if they squeak persistently or leave streaks, keeping in mind that wipers typically last between six months and a year. Always drive with your lights on in heavy rain and ensure they are clean, as having dirt or mud obscure vehicle lights is illegal on UK roads. Finally, confirm that your tyres meet the minimum legal tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. You can test this by inserting a 20p coin into the groove; if the outer band is hidden, your tyres have sufficient tread.
Check your destination for closures and crashes
Always check your planned route for closures or collisions before setting off. During intense rain, local drainage systems can quickly become overwhelmed, causing flash flooding. This is particularly important for shift workers leaving early in the morning, as they may be less likely to have seen recent traffic updates.
Turn off music and eliminate distractions
While turning up the music may be tempting, audio can be a distraction during heavy rain. Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that drivers must avoid distractions, including loud music, playlists, or the radio. Failure to comply can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points. If you choose to listen to music, keep it at a lower volume than normal and never touch your phone to change songs while driving, as this is also illegal.