Birmingham is set to be hit by a prolonged and heavy band of rainfall lasting up to twelve hours, according to the latest weather data. The downpour is predicted to begin on Thursday afternoon, January 15, with the most intense period expected in the evening.
Timeline of the Incoming Deluge
Forecasters at WX Charts, using MetDesk data, have mapped the progression of the rain across the West Midlands. The wet weather is scheduled to start in Birmingham around 3pm on Thursday with light drizzle. This will intensify significantly by 6pm, with rainfall rates reaching approximately 4.4mm per hour.
The peak of the storm is forecast for 9pm, when the city could see a torrential downpour of around 10.8mm of rain falling every hour. This intense period is what meteorologists are describing as a potential 'deluge'. The constant rainfall is not expected to ease off until the early hours of Friday, January 16, around 3am.
Met Office Issues Weather Alert
While the West Midlands initially fell outside the official warning zone, the situation has escalated. The Met Office has now issued a yellow alert for heavy rain effective from 9am until 11.59pm on Thursday. The warning indicates that widespread totals of 20mm to 40mm of rain are likely, with higher amounts possible in some areas.
This comes just a week after parts of the region were blanketed in snow, marking a swift and dramatic shift in conditions. The forecaster's national outlook for Thursday mentions that cloud and rain, heavy at times, will gradually spread northwards, with winds also strengthening across the southeast.
What This Means for Birmingham
The predicted 12-hour period of sustained rainfall raises concerns about localised disruption. Key impacts residents should be aware of include:
- Potential for spray and surface water flooding on roads, possibly affecting the evening commute and later travel.
- Possible disruption to public transport services, including buses and trains.
- A chance of flooding in a few low-lying areas or where drainage is poor.
Weather maps from WX Charts illustrate the heavy concentrations of rain moving across the region in vivid shades of blue, green, yellow, and orange. Authorities are advising residents to stay updated with the latest forecasts and travel information as the situation develops.
