The warning comes shortly after the Environment Agency declared various areas in England to be in drought.

16:19, Wed, Aug 5, 2026 Updated: 16:31, Wed, Aug 5, 2026

Road Closed signs across the B4447 road across Cookham Moor

Brits have been warned about possible flooding and transport disruptions (Image: Getty)

Areas across the UK have been issued a weather alert warning of a possible risk of flooding. It comes shortly after the Environment Agency has declared half of England in drought. The experts say that a large area of central, eastern and southern England is now experiencing flash drought, which is a type that develops quickly as a result of very low rainfall and high temperatures.

The extreme heat over the course of the last couple of months has caused drought across East Anglia, Hertfordshire and the whole of London, Thames Valley, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Devon, Cornwall, the West Midlands, and Wessex (covering Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, and south Gloucestershire). Now, a weather warning from the Met Office says those in parts of Scotland could face localised flooding.

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The yellow weather warning in place from 1pm to 9pm on Wednesday warns Brits in the affected area that "slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms may cause some disruption".

The Met Office added: "Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures."

The impacted areas include:

  • Aberdeen
  • Aberdeenshire
  • Angus
  • Moray
  • Highland
  • Perth and Kinross

Parched Farmland

The warning comes shortly after half of the UK has been declared in drought (Image: Getty)

The weather agency explained that the stormy conditions will come with lightning, gust winds and some hail, with a potential of 15-25mm rainfall building up in one to two hours and then 40mm over three to six hours.

UK households in those areas have been advised to consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. This should include the insurance documents and a list of contact numbers, torch and spare batteries, a first-aid kit and any prescription medicines, warm, waterproof clothes and blankets, bottled water and snacks, a battery-powered or wind-up radio, and supplies for looking after your baby or pet.

Brits should also be prepared for potential power cuts by stocking up on torches and batteries, having a mobile phone power pack, and keeping other essential items on hand.