Londoners are waking up to a thoroughly miserable start to Friday, with heavy rain sweeping across the capital during the morning rush hour before brighter skies arrive by the afternoon.
The Met Office has forecast a wet and unsettled day for the capital on Friday, October 16, with the heaviest downpours expected to coincide with the morning commute. Anyone heading out early is being urged to grab an umbrella and allow extra time for their journey.
Rain will be at its most intense between 5am and 8am, when the chance of precipitation peaks. At 5am, forecasters say there is a 95 per cent or higher chance of heavy rain falling across Greater London. The deluge continues through 6am with a 90 per cent chance of heavy rain, before easing slightly to light rain at 7am and 8am.
It is not the first time this month that wet weather has disrupted the morning commute — earlier in October, heavy downpours battered the capital during rush hour, leaving roads slick and public transport delayed.
But there is good news for those who can wait out the morning. From 9am, sunny intervals are expected to break through the cloud, with the chance of rain dropping to 40 per cent and falling steadily. By 10am the risk is down to 20 per cent, and by 11am just 10 per cent.
The middle of the day promises the best conditions. From midday through to 3pm, sunny spells are forecast with the chance of rain dropping below five per cent. Temperatures are expected to peak at around 16°C — mild for mid-October, and a welcome relief after the soggy start.
The wet weather marks a stark contrast to the 27C September scorcher the capital enjoyed just weeks ago, when warm European air pushed thermometers to near-record levels for the time of year.
However, the improvement may not last all day. The Met Office suggests a slight increase in shower risk during the late afternoon. By 4pm the chance of rain rises to 10 per cent, reaching 20 per cent by 5pm and 30 per cent by 6pm as skies turn partly cloudy.
The evening should bring more settled conditions, with clear skies forecast from 7pm and the rain chance falling to 20 per cent, then 10 per cent by 8pm. By 9pm, the risk drops below five per cent, offering a dry end to the day.
There is also a chance of showers developing along the Kent coast during the afternoon, which could affect those travelling in south-east London and towards the coast.
Here is the Met Office hour-by-hour forecast for London in full. At 5am, heavy rain is expected with a 95 per cent or higher chance of precipitation — the wettest hour of the day. By 6am, heavy rain continues with a 90 per cent chance, making for a difficult start to the morning commute.
At 7am, the rain eases to light rain with a 70 per cent chance, and by 8am light rain continues with a 60 per cent chance. Commuters should still expect damp conditions on the roads and pavements through the peak travel period.
From 9am, sunny intervals break through with a 40 per cent chance of rain. By 10am, the chance drops to 20 per cent, and by 11am to just 10 per cent as the skies brighten considerably.
Midday to 3pm brings the best weather of the day — sunny intervals with less than a five per cent chance of rain. This is the window to get outside and enjoy the mild 16-degree temperatures.
By 4pm, sunny intervals continue with a 10 per cent chance of rain. At 5pm, the risk rises to 20 per cent, and by 6pm partly cloudy skies bring a 30 per cent chance — worth bearing in mind for the evening commute home.
From 7pm, clear skies return with a 20 per cent chance of rain, dropping to 10 per cent by 8pm. By 9pm, 10pm and 11pm, clear skies dominate with less than a five per cent chance of rain — a calm end to a turbulent day.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Londoners can expect cooler conditions. Saturday, October 17, is forecast to bring sunny spells and largely dry weather, with temperatures reaching around 14°C — a couple of degrees cooler than Friday.
Sunday is also expected to bring sunny intervals, although there is the possibility of isolated showers developing through the day.
However, unsettled conditions could return at the start of next week. Monday is forecast to bring showers that become more frequent and heavier through the day, so the umbrellas may need to come back out.
Londoners are advised to check the latest hourly forecast on the Met Office website before heading out, as conditions can change quickly at this time of year.
