17 July 2025
The AA is urging drivers to take extra care on the roads this weekend as the Met Office issues yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms across much of the UK from Friday evening (18 July) through to Saturday evening (19 July).
The yellow warnings cover large parts of England, with predictions of 20-30mm of rain in less than an hour in many places, with 60-90 mm in less than three hours possible in other areas. This amount of rain is well over a month’s worth for a normal July.
“If driving, slow down, keep your distance, and avoid flooded routes where possible.”
As well as heavy rain, impacts from frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail are also likely.
These storms could affect some of the popular holiday routes for early departures on this year’s summer getaway.
While localised flash flooding and the sudden appearance of surface water are the usual dangers associated with summer heavy rain, the potential for slippery road surfaces at junctions and roundabouts is a hidden menace.
During hot and dry weather, vehicle tyres deposit rubber on the road at junctions and roundabouts. Rain falling on these surfaces can make them slick and slippery, at least for the first couple of hours.
That can lead to increased stopping distances and the potential for vehicles to slide across the line.
Shaun Jones, AA Patrol of the Year, said: “We’re urging drivers to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys. Surface water and reduced visibility can make driving hazardous, especially on rural or poorly lit roads. If driving, slow down, keep your distance, and avoid flooded routes where possible.
“Drivers should check their vehicles before setting off, including tyre tread, wiper blades, and screen wash levels.
“Use the AA Route Planner to check where congestion is and plan accordingly. If you can change plans to travel after the warning passes it might be a good idea to.”
UK weather warnings - Met Office
Traffic news | Live reports from AA Roadwatch | AA
Regions and local authorities affected:
East Midlands: Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Rutland
East of England: Bedford, Cambridgeshire, Central Bedfordshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Luton, Norfolk, Peterborough, Southend-on-Sea, Suffolk, Thurrock
London & South East England: Bracknell Forest, Brighton and Hove, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Greater London, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Medway, Milton Keynes, Oxfordshire, Portsmouth, Reading, Slough, Southampton, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham
North East England: Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
North West England: Blackburn with Darwen, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington
South West England: Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Swindon, Wiltshire
West Midlands: Herefordshire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Telford and Wrekin, Warwickshire, West Midlands Conurbation, Worcestershire
Yorkshire & Humber: East Riding of Yorkshire, Kingston upon Hull, North East Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York