Residents and commuters in Birmingham are being advised to prepare for a concentrated three-hour downpour this Friday, January 30, 2026, as weather maps indicate the city will be hit by significant rainfall.
Key Details of the Forecast
According to the latest data from WXCharts, a band of heavy rain is expected to arrive over Birmingham at precisely 3.00am on Friday morning. During this window, forecasters predict that approximately 4.1mm of rainfall will accumulate, potentially creating challenging conditions for early risers and those heading to work.
Met Office Yellow Warning for the South West
While Birmingham itself sits just outside the official Met Office warning zone, the agency has issued a 15-hour yellow weather alert for heavy rain covering parts of the South West of England. This warning encompasses Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset, and is active from midday on Thursday, January 29, until 3.00am on Friday.
The timing coincides with the expected push of this weather system northwards into the West Midlands region, bringing the remnants of what is described as a prolonged "soaking" for southern areas.
Secondary Wave of Showers Expected
Following the early morning deluge, weather models suggest a secondary wave of showers will affect Birmingham later in the day. Forecasts indicate another 2.3mm of rain could fall around 6.00pm on Friday evening, prolonging the unsettled conditions.
Wider Regional Impact and Conditions
The anticipated rainfall is not confined to Birmingham alone. Weather maps show the band of precipitation, marked in heavy blue, extending further north into Staffordshire and Derbyshire. This suggests a broadly wet start to the day for much of the Midlands region.
The Met Office outlook for Friday describes the day as "unsettled with brisk winds," with cloudy skies dominating and "outbreaks of rain for many" throughout the daylight hours.
Travel Advice for Motorists
Despite Birmingham's position outside the formal warning area, travel advice has been issued for key motorways. Drivers using the M6 and M5 are urged to exercise caution, particularly during the early hours of Friday morning, due to the potential for surface water and reduced visibility from spray.
Looking Ahead to the Weekend
There is some respite on the horizon. The Met Office indicates that conditions are expected to become "brighter and less breezy" over the coming weekend. However, the improvement may be tempered by scattered showers that are likely to persist through both Saturday and Sunday.
Potential for Wintry Mix
An additional note of caution comes from some weather models, which suggest a slight possibility of wintry precipitation. If temperatures drop lower than currently forecast, the 3.00am front could bring a light dusting of up to 0.7cm of snow alongside the rain.
This event serves as a reminder of the region's variable late-winter weather, with residents advised to stay updated on the latest forecasts and travel information.
