Heavy rain caused flash flooding in parts of the Midlands, including Birmingham, and forecasters warned that much of the Bank Holiday weekend could be wet and unsettled. The conditions are notable after a prolonged dry spell and multiple heatwaves, with drought declared across much of England and Wales.

Up to 75mm of rain fell in some areas, while 32 properties flooded in Birmingham’s Perry Bar and Lichfield recorded 52.8mm within hours. The Environment Agency issued 42 flood alerts, and the Met Office forecast 10–30mm of rain for many areas over the weekend, alongside travel disruption as an estimated 20 million car journeys and reduced rail services coincide.