The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across parts of the UK today, and one expert has shared his tips for staying safe while driving in heavy rain10:58, 27 Aug 2026Britain's recent spell of scorching heat and bone-dry conditions is about to come to an abrupt halt, as the Met Office has issued a Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain set to sweep across much of the country.‌While many across the UK have grown accustomed to cloudless skies and sun-baked roads in recent weeks, that is all about to change. Large swathes of east Wales, the Midlands, northern England, East Anglia and southern England are braced for what could be the most significant and widespread bout of rainfall to hit central and southern parts of the UK all summer.‌Driving conditions will be severely affected, with windscreen visibility reduced, glare increased and road markings washed away. Braking distances will also roughly double compared to normal conditions, due to reduced tyre grip and the risk of hydroplaning (where a layer of water builds up beneath the tyres).‌Many drivers may turn to online forums such as Reddit for advice on how to handle wet weather or thunderstorms safely, but seeking guidance from genuine experts is far more reliable.With that in mind, Dan Briggs, CEO of frontline worker car discount company Motorfinity, has shared his top tips for staying safe behind the wheel during a downpour, along with a little-known law that every driver should be aware of.Dan reveals: "Summer thunderstorms are one of the most dangerous times to be on the road, especially during those first ten minutes.‌"When it hasn't rained for weeks, oil, grease, and rubber bake into the tarmac and then the moment a summer thunderstorm hits, all that grime lifts to the surface, turning the road into an absolute ice rink."Drivers used to their own summer driving pace may not adjust their speed and end up hydroplaning or sliding right off the road."The car expert pointed out that many people 'may not know' that under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is actually illegal to drive through puddles that result in a pedestrian being splashed.‌This falls under driving "without reasonable consideration for other persons," and those found guilty face a £100 fine and three penalty points on their licence."So, while rainy conditions can reduce your visibility, it's important to stay aware of upcoming puddles and pedestrians and slow down while approaching them," said the expert.Perform a quick test on your windscreen wipers, lights and tyresBefore setting off in wet weather, Dan strongly advises carrying out a quick check on your windscreen wipers, lights and tyres.‌"Before heading out on your journey, especially if you're driving to work at night, like many frontline workers are, give your car a quick three-minute check," he said."Inspect your front and back windscreen wipers for cracking or splitting and any debris they may have caught."If you hear persistent squeaking or the blade leaves streaks and smears when being used, then it might be time for some new ones- remember they only last about six months to a year."‌The expert also advises driving with your lights on during heavy rain, and checking they're in full working order before heading off on your journey."Make sure there's no dirt or leftover mud from previous journeys on the lights, as it's illegal to have something impacting vehicle lights on UK roads," he said."Lastly, check that your tyres meet the minimum tread depth of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre."‌You can check by inserting a 20p coin into the groove; if you can't see the outer band, then your tyres should have enough tread.Check your destination for closures and crashesDan recommends always checking your route for any closures and crashes that may impact your journey before setting off."During intense periods of rain, local drainage systems can quickly become overwhelmed and cause flash flooding," he said.‌"I'd particularly recommend this step if you leave for work early, like shift workers, as you're less likely to have caught up on the news and traffic updates before heading out."Turn off music and tune out distractionsWhile it may be tempting to crank up the music while driving, Dan warns this is actually one of 'the most distracting things you can do' when it's pouring down.He said: "Rule 148 of the Highway Code states that drivers must avoid distractions, which includes being distracted by music, playlists or the radio. Failure to do so can result in a £100 fine and three penalty points.Article continues below"If you do want to listen to music, make sure it's at a lower level than normal and don't touch your phone to change the song or playlist when driving, as that's also illegal."