The Met Office forecast for London and the South East, updated at 16:00 on Friday 5 June 2026, says any remaining showers will fade away this evening, leaving a largely dry spell before cloud thickens from the west and rain returns before dawn. For plenty of UK drivers, that is a familiar Friday pattern: the drive home may look calmer than the day felt, but the roads are still damp, visibility can drop quickly in spray, and the next early start could begin with fresh rain.
That matters because wet-weather driving problems often arrive after the heaviest shower has already passed. Road markings can stay slick, standing water can linger near kerbs and ruts, and smeared glass becomes more obvious once headlights start reflecting off the road surface. A sensible Friday evening routine is not about cancelling plans. It is about reducing small avoidable risks before the weekend journeys begin.
Do not mistake brighter skies for dry-road grip
National Highways says even light or moderate rain can affect visibility and vehicle performance, and its wet-weather advice says that if it is time for your wipers, it is time to slow down. It also recommends increasing the gap to the vehicle in front to at least four seconds when the roads are wet. That advice still applies after a shower has eased, because the tarmac, painted lane markings and drainage channels can stay slippery long after the rain looks lighter.
If your route includes faster roads, build in a little more margin than usual. Ease off earlier for roundabouts and slip roads, expect spray from vans and HGVs, and avoid sharp steering inputs when you cross patches of standing water. Met Office severe-weather guidance also warns that wet roads are more slippery than usual and that spray from other vehicles can suddenly reduce visibility. If the steering feels light, come off the accelerator smoothly and let the tyres regain grip before braking more firmly.
Watch the last few miles as well as the motorway ones
Many wet-weather bumps happen close to home rather than on the biggest stretch of road. Reversing into a dark driveway, turning across a shiny mini-roundabout, or braking late in a supermarket car park can catch a driver who feels the hard part of the journey is already over. Slow down for those low-speed moments too, wipe side windows if needed, and clear clutter from the front footwells so nothing slides around when you brake or steer.
Use the evening stop to get tomorrow's car ready
The useful checks are the boring ones people postpone. GOV.UK says that every time you drive you should check that the windscreen, windows and mirrors are clean, all lights work and the brakes work. The Met Office long-journey vehicle check guide also points drivers toward oil and coolant, battery condition, fuel, wiper blades, screen wash, warning lights and tyre condition.
So before you leave the car tonight, clear the windscreen properly, top up screenwash, and give the wipers a quick test instead of discovering a smear problem on Saturday morning. Check tyre pressures and tread if you have not looked at them this week, especially if you are planning a family run, retail trip or longer motorway journey tomorrow. Friday evening is also a good time to make sure you have enough fuel or charge rather than starting the weekend already behind schedule.
Keep the emergency kit where it can actually help
A compact emergency kit is most useful when the important items stay in the cabin rather than disappearing into the boot under bags and coats. A phone cable or power bank, torch, high-visibility vest, water and any essential medication are easier to reach when they are stored with intention. The same goes for a seatbelt cutter and window breaker. If you ever need one in an emergency, reach matters more than ownership.
For one regular vehicle, a compact single tool is usually enough to keep close to hand in the door pocket, centre console or glovebox. For households with two cars, or for drivers who want one tool near the front seats and another closer to passengers, a two-pack is the more practical setup. The point is to store the tool where it is usable, the same way you would store a charger or torch where you can get to it quickly.
Recommended JUFO tools for Friday evening and weekend journeys
Keep the tool inside the cabin rather than packed away under luggage.
JUFO 2 Pack Car Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter
Best for covering two seating positions or two cars at home.
From GBP 16.99
JUFO 2-in-1 Car Window Breaker and Seatbelt Cutter
A compact single-car option to keep close to hand every day.
From GBP 8.95
Make the next journey easier before you go inside
The practical win tonight is simple: leave the car ready for the next wet start. Clean glass, topped-up screenwash, a bit more space on damp roads, and a reachable emergency tool are all small actions that reduce hassle and raise safety. If rain does return before dawn, tomorrow's first miles will feel much more manageable.
Sources: Met Office London & South East England forecast; Met Office driving in severe weather advice; Met Office vehicle checks for long journeys; National Highways rain advice; GOV.UK vehicle safety checks.
