The Met Office has issued a series of weather warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain affecting much of southern England and Wales, as the region prepares for a significant change in weather patterns. The yellow warning, which came into effect is expected to remain in place until midnight on Sunday.
The warnings cover a broad area, including all of Wales, southwest England, the Midlands, and parts of southeast and northern England. The Met Office has cautioned residents to expect potential damage from lightning strikes, disruptions to public transport, and localized flooding due to heavy rainfall.
Forecasts indicate that affected areas could receive between 50-70 mm of rainfall within just a few hours. This deluge will be accompanied by hail and frequent lightning, raising concerns about flash flooding and infrastructure damage.
This stormy weather follows a notably warm and dry spell across the UK. Temperatures soared to 25°C in parts of the Highlands on Wednesday, while southeast England also recorded similar highs on Thursday. However, meteorologists warn that this pleasant weather is coming to an abrupt end as the country braces for severe thunderstorms.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly stated, “While the warnings cover areas most at risk of thunderstorms, not everyone within these regions will experience severe weather. For many, it will remain dry for much of the time.”
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris added that the wet conditions are expected to persist into the following week. He noted that another weather warning for rain will be implemented on Sunday for Wales and central southwest England.
Residents in the affected areas are advised to prepare for potential disruptions. Local authorities are urging people to stay informed about changing weather conditions and to take precautions against possible flooding. The Met Office has recommended avoiding travel during severe weather events if possible and being aware of local alerts.
As the storms approach, emergency services are on high alert to respond to any incidents related to flooding or damage caused by lightning strikes.
The Met Office’s forecasts suggest that the area of persistent rain expected by the end of Sunday may continue into Monday morning before gradually clearing eastward. However, confidence in exact rainfall amounts and locations remains low as conditions evolve.
With autumn approaching, meteorologists anticipate a shift toward more unsettled weather patterns in the coming weeks. This could lead to further instances of heavy rain and storms across various parts of the UK.