The Met Office has issued a 7-hour yellow weather warning for parts of London, where intense thunderstorms are expected to bring significant disruption today. From 11am to 6pm, residents and commuters in the South East of England can expect heavy downpours, lightning, and strong winds.
Forecasters predict that some areas will receive up to 30mm of rain within an hour, with a possible total of 50mm over two to three hours. The risk of frequent lightning, hail, and gusty winds poses challenging conditions for those in affected zones.
The warning covers central London boroughs, stretching towards Kent, Surrey, and Essex. While not the entire capital is included, residents within the specified area are advised to be prepared for sudden and severe weather changes. The Met Office notes that the thunderstorms will develop rapidly, making precise localised forecasts difficult.
Potential impacts include localised flooding in low-lying areas or where drainage systems may struggle with excess water. Travel disruption is also a significant concern, with a higher chance of delays or cancellations to train and bus services, as well as difficult driving conditions due to reduced visibility and surface water. A slight chance of power cuts and other utility service interruptions cannot be ruled out.
Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland are experiencing varying weather patterns, with sunshine and scattered showers typical temperatures ranging from 15°C to 18°C. Wales also sees isolated showers but no widespread thunderstorm warnings currently apply. Wind speeds across these regions are generally light to moderate, around 10-15 mph.
The Met Office advises staying updated on the latest forecasts, particularly for those travelling, and taking precautions such as securing loose garden furniture and avoiding floodwater. The intense and localised nature of thunderstorms means conditions can change quickly.