UK weather warnings today: check rain, wind and thunderstorms

By AtheneNet Staff | 13 August 2026

Before commuting, travelling or working outdoors today, check the Met Office’s live UK weather-warning map for your exact area and the time period covered. A warning may affect only part of a county or region, so a national forecast headline is not enough to plan a journey, school-holiday outing or delivery route.

The Met Office’s warning service shows mapped areas, the weather hazard involved and when the warning is expected to start and end. It is the best first check when rain, wind or thunderstorms could affect your plans.

Check the live map before you leave

Open the Met Office UK warnings page and select or zoom into your location. Then compare the warning timing with the time you expect to travel, rather than assuming the whole day will be affected.

Use this quick check:

• Look for the warning’s start and end time.
• Read the hazard named on the map: rain, wind, thunderstorms, snow, ice or fog.
• Check your locality-specific forecast alongside the warning.
• Review rail, road, ferry or airport updates if you are travelling.
• Allow extra time and reconsider exposed outdoor work where conditions could worsen.

A warning can be updated as forecast confidence or expected impacts change. If you are making plans several hours ahead, check again shortly before departure.

What yellow, amber and red weather warnings mean

The Met Office uses colour-coded warnings to describe the likelihood of impacts and how serious they may be.

• Yellow means weather may cause some disruption. Check local conditions and think about whether your journey or activity needs extra time or preparation.
• Amber means there is an increased likelihood of travel disruption, power cuts or other significant impacts. Take action to protect your plans and follow local advice.
• Red means dangerous weather is expected and substantial disruption is likely. Follow official guidance and avoid unnecessary travel where advised.

The colour does not replace the written details. Two warnings of the same level can involve different hazards, locations and time windows, so read the full warning text.

Travel and outdoor safety checks

For heavy rain, plan for slower roads, surface water and possible public-transport delays. Avoid driving through floodwater and do not rely on a familiar route remaining passable.

For strong winds, secure loose items at home or work, take care near trees and exposed coasts, and check operator updates before rail, ferry or high-sided-vehicle travel. Thunderstorms can bring sudden downpours, lightning and gusty winds; move indoors if lightning is nearby and postpone exposed activities when practical.

The next useful check is the Met Office live warning map, followed by your transport operator’s service page if your route falls within a warning area.

Source: Met Office