The capital is bracing for a severe soaking as Storm Claudia sweeps across the city, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow weather warning for rain.
What to Expect from the Storm
The warning, which was upgraded to a named storm, is in force for London today, Friday 14th November 2025, and is expected to continue into Saturday 15th November. The forecaster has warned of "prolonged and heavy downpours" that could lead to flooding and significant disruption across the region.
According to the Met Office's hour-by-hour forecast, Londoners can expect a brief respite from the deluge between 3 pm and 5 pm. However, scattered but heavy showers will persist throughout the rest of the day. The most intense rainfall is predicted to subside by approximately 8 pm on Friday.
A Month's Rain in a Single Day
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Matthew Lehnert has provided a stark assessment of the situation. "Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday," he stated.
Lehnert further explained, "This rain will become slow moving, and some areas could see up to a month’s worth of rain in just 24 hours. Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding."
The storm's timing is particularly unfortunate for the start of London's festive season. Major attractions such as Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland and Christmas at Kew are both scheduled to open tonight, potentially facing operational challenges due to the severe weather.
Broader Impacts and Warnings
While London is under a yellow warning, other parts of the UK are facing even more severe amber warnings. The Met Office has indicated that within these amber areas, some locations could see in excess of 150mm of rainfall accumulate, with 60-80mm falling quite widely.
In addition to the torrential rain, gusty winds are expected to be an additional hazard in northwest England and northwest Wales, where gusts of 60-70mph are possible in exposed areas.
Residents and visitors in London are advised to stay updated with the latest travel information and weather forecasts, and to take necessary precautions against potential flooding and travel delays.
