The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms affecting a broad swathe of the UK, including Coleshill in Warwickshire. The warning is active from 12:00 BST on Sunday, 23rd June, until 21:00 BST on the same day. Residents across the affected regions are advised to prepare for potential disruption due to heavy rainfall, lightning, hail, and strong winds.
In England, the warning primarily covers the Midlands, including Coleshill, as well as parts of the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Humber, and the East of England. Scotland will see warnings in central, southern, and eastern areas, while parts of central and north-eastern Wales are also included. Temperatures in Coleshill are expected to reach around 20-22 degrees Celsius before the storms arrive, with wind speeds generally light, but gusts up to 30-40 mph are possible during thunderstorms.
The Met Office has highlighted several potential impacts of these storms. There is a risk of localised flooding, particularly in areas with poor drainage, which could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures. Power cuts are also a possibility, and some homes and businesses could experience temporary loss of electricity. Public transport services, including bus and train routes, may face delays or cancellations.
Safety advice for those in affected areas includes staying indoors where possible during the peak of the storms and avoiding sheltering under trees or near tall structures that could be struck by lightning. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, maintain extra distance from other vehicles, and be aware of sudden changes in visibility due to heavy downpours. It is also recommended to unplug non-essential electrical appliances to protect them from power surges.
Looking ahead, while the immediate threat is for Sunday, the weather pattern remains somewhat unsettled for the early part of next week. The Met Office will continue to monitor conditions closely and update warnings as necessary. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official Met Office channels and local news outlets for the latest information specific to their area.
This period of unsettled weather follows a relatively mild and sometimes showery week across much of the UK. The transition to more widespread thunderstorm activity marks a shift that requires vigilance from the public to minimise risks and disruption.
Source: Met Office