Met Office Issues Urgent Rain Warning for Southeast England, Advises Residents to Prepare Emergency Kit

Published: 29 August 2025.The English Chronicle Desk

The Met Office has issued a stark warning to residents in 30 areas across the southeast of England, urging them to prepare an emergency kit as heavy showers and unsettled weather are set to disrupt the final days of summer. With wet and windy conditions expected to prevail, millions of people are bracing for intense downpours that could cause localised flooding and travel disruption.

A yellow rain warning was in effect early Thursday morning, with forecasters also anticipating occasional thunder and hail in isolated areas. In the most affected regions, rainfall could reach 10 to 20 millimetres in less than an hour, while coastal areas may experience 50 to 70 millimetres over a few hours if heavy showers persist.

The Met Office cautioned: “Some flooding in these wetter areas is possible. A few showers could be accompanied by the odd rumble of thunder, more likely near the coasts. Heavy showers and rain should clear into the North Sea by early afternoon.”

Residents concerned about the potential impact of flooding have been advised to prepare both a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Recommended items include torches with spare batteries, a mobile phone power pack, and other essential supplies to help households cope with possible power cuts or travel delays. The Met Office emphasised that early preparation can significantly reduce the disruption caused by severe weather.

The warning affects East England, London and the South East, and South West England. Forecasters predict that while heavy rain will gradually clear from the southeast through the morning, other parts of the country may see sunny spells interspersed with scattered, occasionally heavy, blustery showers.

Regarding tonight’s forecast, the Met Office reported: “Showers will ease away from the northwest, although some may continue along western coasts. Clear spells are expected across central and eastern areas, feeling cool under clear skies.”

Looking ahead to the weekend, showers are expected to continue affecting some coastal areas, while other regions should remain relatively dry. Saturday will see strong coastal winds and increasing cloud as heavy rain moves into the west. On Sunday, unsettled weather is likely to continue, with further rain and showers interspersed with sunny spells, accompanied by windy conditions and the risk of isolated thundery outbreaks. Temperatures are expected to remain near average.

The Met Office continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents in vulnerable areas to remain vigilant, check local road and transport conditions, and ensure that emergency preparations are in place. As the UK faces a period of changeable late-summer weather, preparedness remains key to mitigating the impact on homes, travel, and daily life.