Heavy downpours are expected this weekend when millions of cars will hit the roads ahead of what is set to be the busiest Christmas getaway on record. The Met Office said heavy rain this weekend could make conditions worse in areas already at risk of flooding. The AA has predicted the upward trend of people going away for Christmas will continue, with 24.4 million cars expected on UK roads on Friday afternoon as schools close for the holidays. 24.4 million cars are expected on the UK’s roads on Friday (Gareth Fuller/PA)The motoring organisation said it is likely there will be congestion around retail hotspots and motorway interchanges. The Met Office said the heavy rain will give way to drier, brighter conditions from Christmas Eve.

Source: The Herald December 19, 2025 21:59 UTC