Londoners are bracing themselves for a dramatic weather shift as torrential rain sweeps across the capital, forcing temperatures down by several degrees in just hours. Heavy showers and thunderstorms have already brought widespread disruption, with the Met Office warning of more intense downpours to come.
The UK's weather service has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which covers much of London and the South East, including parts of East Anglia. The area is at risk of localised flooding, particularly in urban areas with poor drainage, as well as potential power outages and travel disruptions.
While some regions, such as the Midlands and North, will experience a mix of showers and brighter spells, Londoners can expect more intense weather with thunder and lightning developing over the city later this evening and into the night. Temperatures are projected to dip further, potentially reaching around 12-14 degrees Celsius during the evening.
Northern Ireland is expected to have a largely cloudy day with some scattered rain, but no widespread thunderstorm warnings are currently in place for Scotland. Wales will likely experience a similar pattern to England, with some showers but the main focus of the thunderstorm warning remaining in the South East of England.
Resident safety advice includes securing loose outdoor items, avoiding floodwaters and slippery road conditions, and staying indoors if thunder and lightning are present. Motorists should exercise caution and check local travel updates before commencing journeys due to potential disruptions.