The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for several parts of the United Kingdom, indicating a risk of torrential downpours and potential disruption within the coming hours. The warning highlights the possibility of localised flooding, travel delays, and power cuts across the affected regions, urging residents to prepare for unsettled weather conditions.
The areas most likely to experience these severe thunderstorms include parts of Northern England, notably around Greater Manchester and surrounding areas, the Midlands, and sections of Scotland, particularly the central belt. Northern Ireland is also included in the warning, with similar conditions anticipated. Forecasters predict that some areas could see significant rainfall accumulations in a short period, potentially exceeding 30-40mm in just a few hours, accompanied by lightning and gusty winds.
For England, the warning primarily covers regions from the North West down through to the Midlands. Cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, and surrounding counties are advised to be vigilant. In Scotland, the central lowlands and parts of the east are under the warning, including areas around Glasgow and Edinburgh. Northern Ireland faces a similar outlook, with widespread potential for heavy showers and thunderstorms. Wales is currently not under a specific thunderstorm warning for this period, though isolated showers cannot be entirely ruled out.
Temperatures across the UK are expected to remain mild to warm before the storms hit, generally ranging between 18°C and 22°C in the warned areas. However, these temperatures could drop sharply during intense downpours. Wind speeds are anticipated to be light to moderate, typically around 10-15 mph, but could gust significantly higher, up to 30-40 mph, during thunderstorms, particularly in exposed locations.
The Met Office advises the public to take precautions. This includes checking local weather forecasts regularly, securing loose outdoor items, and being aware of potential hazards on roads. Drivers are urged to exercise caution, as surface water and spray could significantly reduce visibility. There is also a small chance of power cuts and disruptions to other services. Public transport users should anticipate possible delays or cancellations.