Heavy rain is set to batter Newcastle upon Tyne and surrounding areas from Thursday evening, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning that could bring flooding and travel chaos to the region.
The warning takes effect at 9pm on Thursday, 20th June, and remains in place until 3pm on Friday, 21st June. Forecasters expect 20-30mm of rainfall across the area, with some spots potentially seeing up to 50mm, particularly over higher ground.
The persistent downpours, combined with already saturated ground in some areas, raise the risk of surface water flooding and transport disruption. Moderate winds of 10-15mph could gust higher in exposed coastal areas, making driving conditions even more treacherous.
Residents face potential flooding to homes and businesses, longer journey times for road and bus services, and hazardous driving conditions due to spray and standing water. The Met Office urges drivers to avoid flooded roads and check travel updates before setting off.
Elsewhere across the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland will see a mix of sunshine and scattered showers with temperatures around 14-17°C. Wales and the South West may also experience showery periods, though less intense than the North East, with temperatures reaching 16-19°C.
The heaviest rain should clear by Friday afternoon, with conditions improving over the weekend. However, saturated ground and elevated river levels will require continued monitoring. Emergency services and local authorities remain on standby to respond to any weather-related incidents.