The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning across significant portions of the UK, urging residents in nine identified areas to prepare for potential disruption by assembling emergency kits. The warning highlights the risk of heavy downpours, lightning, hail, and strong winds, which could lead to localised flooding, power outages, and travel delays.
The affected regions span across various parts of England, Scotland, and Wales. In England, areas such as the North East, North West, Yorkshire and Humber, the East Midlands, and parts of the West Midlands are included in the warning. Scotland sees warnings for central, southern, and eastern regions, while parts of South Wales are also expected to experience the adverse weather. Temperatures are forecast to be around 18-22 degrees Celsius, but these will feel cooler during downpours, with wind gusts potentially reaching 30-40 mph in exposed areas.
The advice to prepare an emergency kit typically includes items such as a torch with spare batteries, a portable power bank for mobile phones, a first-aid kit, bottled water, and any essential medications. This proactive measure aims to mitigate the impact of potential power cuts or temporary isolation due to localised flooding. The Met Office has emphasised that while not all areas within the warning zone will experience severe thunderstorms, the potential for significant localised impacts remains high.
Forecasters anticipate that the thunderstorms will develop through the afternoon and evening, gradually subsiding overnight. However, some areas could see rainfall accumulations of 20-30mm in a short period, with isolated spots potentially receiving up to 50mm, which increases the risk of surface water flooding. Commuters are advised to check local travel updates before making journeys and to exercise caution on roads, particularly in areas prone to flooding.
Practical safety advice from the Met Office includes securing loose outdoor items like garden furniture and trampolines, avoiding sheltering under trees during lightning, and staying away from floodwaters. Drivers are reminded that braking distances increase significantly on wet roads, and to avoid driving through floodwater where the depth is unknown, as it can be deceptively deep and hide hazards.