With the most recent heatwaves behind us for now, the UK now seems to be bracing for a fresh wave of unsettled summer weather. According to the Met Office, we’re likely to see a mix of heavy rain, thunderstorms, and sudden drops in temperature.

And while the dramatic skies might look impressive from indoors, getting caught in a storm behind the wheel is a very different story. Between poor visibility, surface water, gusty winds and lightning overhead, driving during a thunderstorm can be seriously dangerous if you’re not prepared.

The good news is that a few simple tips can help you stay safe, stay in control, and avoid unnecessary risk, whatever the weather throws your way.

1. Check the UK thunderstorm weather warning and prep

If a thunderstorm is on the forecast, the safest choice is usually just to delay your trip. If you can’t avoid making the trip, preparation is your best friend. Check the latest weather updates before you set off, and make sure your car is ready to handle rough conditions. That means:

• Working wipers
• Full headlights
• Well-inflated tyres with good tread
• A full tank of fuel

Plan your route and avoid low-lying or flood-prone roads. If you’ve got a sat nav or route planner, now’s the time to use it. Stick to main roads where possible, as they’re more likely to be gritted, drained, and better lit. Pay extra attention to your tyres – if they have low tread, it might be worth replacing your tyres before making any long journeys in the rain.

2. Slow down and leave a wider gap

Rain and surface water can reduce tyre grip, resulting in longer stopping distances and a greater risk of skidding. This is also known as “hydroplaning” and can cause serious accidents in wet weather. 

So, how do you avoid hydroplaning? The same way you would during any wet weather: Slow down to give yourself more time to react and keep your distance – ideally, double the usual space between you and the car in front. In storms, a wider gap could mean the difference between stopping safely and rear-ending someone. 

Bonus tip: Cruise control is not your friend during a storm. If there is standing water on the road, you want to be in command of your speed and braking, so stay away from cruise control. 

3. Make sure you can see (and other people can see you)

When the rain's beating down, visibility drops fast, so switch on your headlights – not full beam, you don’t want to dazzle other drivers – low or dipped beams are your best bet. If things are especially bad, fog lights can help you see and be seen, but don’t forget to turn them off if visibility starts to improve.

Your windscreen wipers should also be up for the job. If they’ve been squeaking, smearing, or skipping, make sure you’ve replaced them before driving out in a storm. Windscreen wiper replacement costs might be inconvenient, but poor visibility through a rain-streaked windscreen is a disaster waiting to happen.

Similarly, you want to make sure you are visible to other drivers, and that you’re signalling your intentions – especially on the motorway. Use your indicators early and give everyone around you time to react if you’re slowing down, changing lanes, or turning off. In other words: don’t leave people guessing.

4. Know when to pull over and wait it out

If a storm gets too intense (we’re talking strong winds, blinding rain, and lightning overhead), it’s time to put a pause on the journey.

Find a safe spot to pull over, like a lay-by or service area, and turn off your engine. Stay in the car with your windows up, headlights off or on low beam, and wait for the worst to pass. 

Avoid stopping under trees or bridges. They might look like potential shelter, but they can instantly become high-risk zones during storms. Trees can be struck by lightning, causing branches to fall without warning. Bridges and underpasses might bring some protection from rain, but they can also become wind tunnels or flood traps in extreme weather.

Bottom line: what looks like shelter can be a hotspot for unexpected storm damage. You’re much safer in an open area where you’re not at risk from falling debris, water build-up, or any electrical hazards.

5. Your car is your best lightning shelter

Here’s some good news: if you’re caught in a lightning storm, your car is actually one of the safest places to be. That’s because it directs the lightning around the outside of the vehicle and safely into the ground.

But for that to work, you need to:

• Stay inside the vehicle. If you’re somewhere safe, don’t step out, even if the rain starts to calm down. 
• Keep the windows rolled up and the doors shut. 
• Avoid touching anything metal, including door handles, gear sticks, or even the radio. 
• Keep your hands in your lap, and try to stay as still as possible. 
• Turn off the engine and wait it out – you shouldn’t be waiting for more than half an hour before the storm passes. 

Is it safe to drive in a thunderstorm?

It’s only safe to drive in a thunderstorm if you’re prepared and know the risks. Storms bring poor visibility, reduced road grip, and unpredictable winds, all of which make accidents more likely.

If conditions get too severe, don’t push on. Pull over somewhere safe, stay inside the car with windows closed, and wait for the storm to pass. Your car is one of the safest places to be in lightning – just not necessarily while it’s moving. 

Stay in control with Bumper Finance

If the worst happens and your car needs repairs after the downpour, don’t let a big upfront bill add more stress. With Bumper’s car repair finance, you can split the cost into interest-free monthly instalments, so you stay in control of your budget. We’ve partnered with 5,000+ trustworthy garages across the UK, and applying online is easier than ever – start now!

FAQs

What’s the 30/30 rule for thunder?

The 30/30 rule is a simple way to stay safe during thunderstorms. It goes like this:

• If you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, the storm is close enough to be dangerous – find shelter immediately.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before leaving. 

This rule helps reduce your risk of being struck by lightning, especially during fast-moving UK summer storms. If you’re driving and hear thunder within that 30-second window, stay inside your car as it acts as a protective barrier against lightning. 

How to avoid lightning while driving?

While you can’t stop lightning from striking, you can reduce your risk while driving in a storm: 

• Stay inside your vehicle; it will direct lightning safely around you. 
• Keep windows closed and avoid touching metal, like door handles or gear sticks. 
• Pull over safely if lightning is close or visibility drops, ideally in an open space away from trees, power lines, or bridges.
• Turn off the engine, keep your hands in your lap, and wait it out.