Heavy rains are expected to lash large parts of the United Kingdom, with the Met Office warning that some areas, particularly in Northern Ireland, could receive more than half a month’s worth of rainfall in less than a day. The stormy weather follows weeks of unseasonably dry and hot conditions, raising fears of flash flooding, travel disruption and even potential power outages.

An amber weather warning remains in effect for Northern Ireland until 6pm on Monday, with meteorologists forecasting between 50 and 75 millimetres of rain to fall in a 12 to 18-hour window – well over half of the region’s usual July average. Eastern counties are expected to bear the brunt of the deluge, with saturated conditions and intense rainfall heightening flood risks.

Simon Partridge, a forecaster at the Met Office, said that Northern Ireland is currently “the place where we could see the most impactful rainfall.” He added that embedded thunderstorms would bring not only intense rain but also “lightning, hail, and gusty winds”, compounding hazards across affected areas.

Yellow warnings extend to much of northern England and parts of southern and eastern Scotland, where slow-moving thunderstorms could develop through the afternoon and evening. In some locations, downpours may produce up to 40 millimetres of rain in as little as two hours. Flood alerts have also been issued in several parts of Scotland, with officials warning of potential risks to homes and businesses in low-lying or poorly drained areas.

The unusual intensity of the rainfall follows a prolonged dry spell across the UK. According to the Met Office, the ground in many regions has been hardened by recent heatwaves, dramatically reducing its ability to absorb water. “That increases the risk of flash flooding,” Partridge noted, pointing to the way dried-out soil can behave almost like concrete, causing water to run off rapidly into streets, rivers and other catchment areas.

Transport networks may also be affected, with officials cautioning about the likelihood of delays or cancellations to rail and bus services. Surface water flooding and reduced visibility on the roads further increase risks for motorists. Power cuts could occur where lightning strikes electrical infrastructure or floodwaters interfere with local substations.

The rainfall comes amid broader concerns about the changing nature of British weather patterns. Warmer air can hold more moisture, leading to heavier and more sustained downpours. Recent years have seen an increase in extreme summer rainfall events, a trend that scientists link to ongoing climate shifts.

Looking ahead, the Met Office expects the rains to continue into the night in many places, easing by Tuesday but not disappearing entirely. “We’ll still be dealing with scattered showers,” Partridge said, though they should be less intense than those anticipated on Monday.

In total, more than ten flood warnings remain active, and the public is advised to monitor ongoing alerts and updates through official channels. As conditions develop, authorities urge residents to stay away from flood-prone zones and to be cautious when travelling during periods of heavy rain.

The recent rain interruption comes after what was, in many parts of England, the driest start to summer since records began in 1893. For now, communities across the country are bracing for another kind of extreme – too much rain, too fast.