The West Midlands is on alert as the Met Office warns of heavy rain and potential disruption, with a yellow weather warning active across the region. Residents in Birmingham and surrounding areas are being urged to prepare for difficult travel conditions and the risk of localised flooding.
Immediate Weather Warning and Expected Impacts
A yellow rain warning issued by the Met Office remains in force for parts of England, including the West Midlands, until 10pm on Thursday, 15 January 2026. Forecasters have highlighted that the persistent and heavy rainfall could lead to surface water flooding, particularly affecting the evening commute.
The Met Office stated on social media platform X that a "very wet rush hour is likely on the roads with spray and surface water flooding in places," following an afternoon where many southern and eastern areas saw between 15-25mm of rain. The rain is expected to clear towards the northeast later in the evening.
Detailed Forecast for Birmingham and the West Midlands
Here is the day-by-day breakdown from the Met Office for the region:
Thursday Evening (15 January): The rain will clear to the northeast by midnight, leaving some clearer spells overnight. However, a few showers may arrive from the west during the early hours, with a patchy frost possible. The minimum temperature will be around 2°C.
Friday (16 January): The day will start gloomily with low cloud. Occasional showers may continue to feed in from the west, but some brighter spells are expected to develop during the day, especially in eastern areas. The maximum temperature will be around 8°C.
The Weekend (17 January Onwards): A mix of sunny spells and scattered showers is forecast through Saturday and Sunday. Overnight, fog and patchy frost may form under clear skies. The weather is then set to turn wet and breezy from the west as Monday approaches.
Staying Safe During the Wet Weather
With the Environment Agency's flood warnings in mind, commuters are advised to exercise significant caution while travelling home. The key risks during this period include:
- Hazardous driving conditions due to spray and standing water.
- Possible travel delays on roads and public transport.
- Localised flooding in low-lying areas.
It is crucial for residents to stay updated with the latest alerts from both the Met Office and the Environment Agency, and to allow extra time for any essential journeys.
