Friday begins wet across London and South East England. The Met Office update issued at 04:00 says outbreaks of rain should ease through the morning, followed by sunny spells and heavy showers that may bring hail and lightning later. It will also be very windy, with coastal gales possible. That combination can change visibility, grip and the space other road users need, so the useful plan is simple: prepare the car before moving, reassess the conditions at departure time and delay the journey if it does not feel safe.
Make the delay decision before starting the engine
Check the latest local forecast and the planned route, not just the view from the window. A short wait can be the sensible choice if rain is overwhelming the wipers, surface water is building, branches are moving strongly or a heavy shower is crossing the route. Allow more time so there is no pressure to rush. If the vehicle is not roadworthy, keep it parked and arrange professional help.
Restore a clear view in every direction
Clean the windscreen, side windows, mirrors, headlights and rear lights. Demist fully before setting off and check that the wipers clear the glass without streaking. Top up screenwash with the correct mixture, then confirm the lights work. Use lights when visibility is seriously reduced, but remember that lights help other road users see the car; they do not make it safe to maintain a dry-road speed.
Secure loose items before driving. A bottle, torch or pouch rolling into the driver's footwell can interfere with the controls. Keep essential equipment accessible without placing anything where it blocks a window, mirror or airbag.
Check tyres and build in more stopping space
Look for visible tyre damage and check pressures when the tyres are cold, using the handbook or door-frame label. The Highway Code says that in wet weather stopping distances will be at least double those required for stopping on dry roads because tyres have less grip. Slow down smoothly, leave a larger following gap and avoid harsh steering, braking or acceleration.
If steering becomes unresponsive in surface water, ease off the accelerator and slow down gradually rather than making a sudden input. Do not drive through water when the depth is uncertain. A flooded section may hide a damaged surface or flowing water, and another route or a delay is safer than testing the car's limits.
Give vulnerable road users extra room in gusts
High winds can affect cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders suddenly, especially near gaps in buildings, exposed stretches and when large vehicles pass. The Highway Code says to give these road users at least as much room as when overtaking a car. Wait behind when the required clearance cannot be achieved safely; do not squeeze through because traffic behind is impatient.
JUFO wet-weather preparation pick
JUFO 3-in-1 Roadside Breakdown Kit - £17.95
The compact kit combines a high-visibility vest, warning triangle and emergency window breaker with seatbelt cutter. Secure it inside the vehicle, keep the vest reachable before opening a door and read the instructions before an emergency. Never place a warning triangle on a motorway.
If conditions deteriorate while driving
Reduce speed progressively and increase the gap ahead. Keep both hands ready for gusts and avoid exposed overtakes. If rain, hail or spray removes the view, find a legal and genuinely safe place to stop away from moving traffic. Do not stop on the hard shoulder merely to wait out ordinary weather; use a service area or leave the motorway when possible.
Before every journey, make the basic vehicle checks promoted by THINK!: tyres, fuel or charge, oil, coolant, screenwash and lights. Then recheck the forecast because the timing and intensity of showers can change after this article is published. Preparation creates options; it does not guarantee that every journey should go ahead.
Sources: Met Office: London and South East England forecast; The Highway Code: driving in adverse weather; The Highway Code: using the road; THINK!: vehicle safety checks.
