Saturday Drive: Showers, Brisk Winds and a Calm Start | JUFO

The Met Office describes Saturday 26 September as a fine start to the weekend, but the detail matters for drivers. Northern areas can expect sunny spells, scattered showers and brisk winds, while southern areas are forecast to stay drier with plenty of sunshine and a fresher feel. A calm five-minute check before departure can help you adapt to those regional differences without turning a routine weekend journey into a rush.

Check the forecast for the route, not only your driveway

Conditions can change considerably between home and your destination. Look at the latest forecast for the places you will pass through as well as the destination, and check for any weather warnings or significant traffic disruption. If you are heading north or crossing exposed ground, allow for showers, surface spray and gusts. If you are travelling in brighter southern conditions, keep sunglasses within easy reach and expect low autumn sun to reduce contrast.

Build a little spare time into the plan. That makes it easier to reduce speed, increase the gap ahead or stop at a proper service area if visibility or concentration worsens. It is safer than trying to recover time on the road.

Give the car a quick Saturday-morning check

• Glass and mirrors: clean the windscreen, side windows and mirrors, then use the demister until the view is fully clear.
• Wipers and washer fluid: confirm the blades sweep cleanly and the washer bottle has enough fluid for spray or road grime.
• Lights: check dipped headlights, indicators and brake lights. The Highway Code says headlights must be used when visibility is seriously reduced, generally below 100 metres.
• Tyres: look for visible damage and check cold pressures against the vehicle manufacturer's figures, especially if the car is carrying passengers or luggage.
• Loose items: secure bags, bottles and equipment so that nothing can move into a footwell or become a distraction during sudden braking.

The Highway Code also says windscreens and windows must be kept clean and free from obstructions, and that wipers, washers, demisters, lights and seat belts should all work correctly. These are small checks, but together they protect visibility, control and reaction time.

Adjust calmly for showers and brisk winds

On wet roads, the Highway Code advises that stopping distances are at least double those required on dry roads. Increase the space ahead before spray builds, not after you lose a clear view. Ease off the accelerator smoothly if the steering begins to feel light over standing water, and avoid abrupt braking or steering.

Brisk winds can also affect cars on exposed roads, bridges and gaps in hedges. Keep both hands ready on the wheel, reduce speed before exposed sections and give extra room to cyclists, motorcyclists and high-sided vehicles. Expect a brief change in wind force as you pass large vehicles or emerge from shelter.

Prepare a safe-stop plan before joining faster roads

Choose a suitable service area or other safe stopping point before you set off. If a warning light appears, the weather deteriorates or tiredness develops, use that plan early. Do not stop on a motorway hard shoulder or in an emergency area unless there is a genuine emergency. Keep a charged phone, water and essential medication accessible, but never use a handheld phone while driving.

If you are travelling with family, tell passengers where you intend to stop and keep the boot organised. An emergency kit is most useful when it is secure, complete and easy to reach after the vehicle has stopped safely.

A calmer start is the real goal

Today's forecast is not a reason to cancel an ordinary journey. It is a reminder to match preparation and driving style to the route: clear glass, working wipers and lights, secure luggage, more space in showers and extra care in gusts. Those simple decisions give you time to notice changes and respond without panic.

Sources: Met Office UK forecast; The Highway Code: adverse weather; The Highway Code: vehicle maintenance.