As August draws to a close, Gloucestershire faces a significant weather shift with two days of heavy rain and thunderstorms forecasted by the Met Office, signalling an end to the recent spell of sunshine.
The Met Office has issued weather warnings covering two consecutive days across the county, alerting residents to the threat of lightning strikes and potential flash flooding. The first warning came into force at 3am on Wednesday, 26 August, lasting until 10pm that evening. A second warning begins at 6am on Thursday, 27 August, extending until 10pm.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington stated: “As we move into Wednesday, there is a growing risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with warm and humid air helping to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms. Some areas could see significant rainfall in a short timeframe, which may lead to localised flooding, travel disruption, and frequent lightning.
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“On Thursday, slow-moving heavy and thundery rain could bring prolonged periods of rainfall to certain parts, increasing the risk of localised impacts. While there remains some uncertainty regarding the exact locations of the heaviest rain, it’s important to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings.”
On Wednesday, heavy showers will gradually move northwards across Gloucestershire during the afternoon and evening, with conditions expected to ease around 10pm when the day’s warning concludes. However, the most substantial rainfall is anticipated on Thursday, as a large band of very heavy rain is forecast to move in from Wiltshire during the early hours.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the weather forecast for towns across Gloucestershire:
Gloucester: Rain is expected from approximately 9am on Wednesday, increasing in intensity during the afternoon until about 8pm, with temperatures reaching a warm 25°C. Heavy showers return in the early hours of Thursday from 3am, with the heaviest downpours arriving around 5am and lasting until roughly 1pm. The weather should clear thereafter, though scattered heavy showers may continue into the afternoon.
Cheltenham: Temperatures will reach up to 26°C with rain predicted from around 9am on Wednesday until the early evening (approximately 7pm). The skies are likely to remain dry overnight but heavy rain will resume from 3am on Thursday, lasting for about eight hours before conditions begin to clear by early afternoon.
Stroud: Rain is likely to commence by 8am Wednesday, increasing during the afternoon with the highest chance around 1–2pm. The rain should ease by 8pm followed by a dry night. On Thursday, rainy conditions return from 3am, with the bulk falling from 5am until just before 1pm. Forecasters warn of possible lightning, flooding, and power outages during this period.
Cirencester: There is a chance of rain from 9am on Wednesday, with probability rising to 60% in the afternoon. Showers are expected until around 8pm, when the skies will clear. On Thursday, heavy rain is anticipated to arrive earlier, starting around 2am with the main band hitting by 4.30am and clearing by 12.30pm.
Bourton-on-the-Water: Showers may begin around 9am on Wednesday, intensifying between 2–4pm. Wednesday night is set to be dry until approximately 3am Thursday when a band of rain arrives. This heavy rain will affect the village between 5am and 7am, pause briefly, then resume before clearing by midday.
Lydney: There is about a 70% chance of rain from 9am Wednesday, which should decrease through the afternoon, leading to a dry night. Temperatures are expected to peak near 25°C. Rain will return from 3am Thursday, continuing as heavy showers until mid-afternoon.
Cinderford: A mix of sun and showers is forecast for Wednesday morning, with increasing rain probability (up to 70%) around early afternoon. Wednesday evening should see clearing conditions ahead of the Thursday storm, which is expected to reach Cinderford by 6am and last until about 1pm before moving on.
Tewkesbury: Showers are likely from 10am Wednesday, peaking at an 80% chance by early afternoon. A dry evening is expected before rain returns early Thursday at 3am, with the most intense rainfall from 5am continuing into the evening before clearing by 7pm.
Given the unsettled weather pattern, residents are advised to remain vigilant, particularly regarding travel plans and flood risk, and to follow any updates issued by the Met Office.