The Met Office has issued a significant weather warning for parts of the Midlands, with a yellow alert for heavy rain set to last for almost 15 hours. The warning comes into effect from 9am on Thursday, 15 January 2026, and will remain active until 11.59pm the same evening.
Which Areas Are Under The Warning?
The yellow rain warning zone covers a swathe of the South West of England and extends into parts of the Midlands. While the West Midlands county itself has escaped the official alert, several towns in Worcestershire are directly in the firing line.
The specific locations named by forecasters include Worcester, Evesham, Malvern, and Bromyard. Residents in these areas are being urged to prepare for persistent and heavy downpours throughout Thursday.
What Can We Expect?
Met Office experts have warned of a deepening area of low pressure that will move north-eastwards across England and Wales on Thursday. This system is expected to bring widespread rainfall accumulations of 20-40mm, with some locations potentially seeing 40-70mm in isolated spots, particularly in the southwest.
The forecaster has highlighted several key risks associated with the incoming weather:
- Potential flooding due to already saturated ground.
- Difficult driving conditions and possible road closures.
- Disruption to public transport and travel plans.
A Met Office spokesperson stated: "Whilst the exact track is uncertain, rain will become persistent and heavy through the day, before clearing to the north through the evening and night. Given the saturated ground, this may lead to some surface water flooding."
Birmingham's Forecast
Although Birmingham sits outside the formal Met Office warning area, it is not expected to stay completely dry. Separate data from WX Charts predicts the city could face around 10.8mm of rainfall during Thursday evening, indicating a wet day for much of the region.
Authorities are advising people across the wider Midlands to stay updated on the latest forecasts and travel information, especially for journeys planned on Thursday. Checking local flood warnings and allowing extra time for travel is strongly recommended as the 15-hour weather alert takes hold.
