The mercury may have dropped significantly overnight, but for many commuters the end of the heatwave has brought only more chaos. Thunderstorms swept across the UK, bringing torrential downpours, lightning strikes, and strong winds that caused widespread disruption to transport networks.
After days of scorching temperatures – some areas reached highs of 40°C – the change in weather was abrupt, with Met Office yellow warnings for thunderstorms remaining in effect for large parts of England, Wales, and Scotland. The storms brought challenging conditions on major roads, with localised flooding reported across urban areas.
Train services were severely impacted, with cancellations, delays, and revised timetables affecting many regions. In England, the South East and Midlands bore the brunt of overnight storms, while the North West and North East also experienced heavy rainfall that led to disruption on railway lines. Wales saw significant thunderstorms, particularly in southern and central areas, causing hazardous driving conditions and some power interruptions.
Scotland's central belt and southern regions were also affected by the storms, although the impact was generally less severe than in parts of England. Northern Ireland experienced scattered showers and thunderstorms, with relatively localised disruption.
Temperatures have plummeted from their recent peaks, dropping to a more typical range of 18-22°C across the country. Wind speeds, which were largely light during the heatwave, have picked up in places, with gusts of 30-40 mph reported during the peak of the storms.
The Met Office has urged people to remain vigilant, especially in areas under yellow warnings, due to ongoing risks of localised flooding and power cuts. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, check for road closures, and avoid driving through floodwater – which can be deceptively deep and have strong currents.
Practical safety tips include avoiding unnecessary travel during severe weather, keeping mobile phones charged in case of power outages, and being aware of flood risks in low-lying areas or near rivers. Never attempt to drive through standing water, as it can hide dangers beneath its surface.