Millions face a weekend of thunderstorms and flooding as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning covering most of the UK from Saturday afternoon through Sunday evening.
The alert, running from noon Saturday until 9pm Sunday, spans England, Wales, Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland. Forecasters warn of heavy downpours, frequent lightning, hail and strong winds that could trigger surface water flooding in towns and cities.
Homes and businesses face potential flood damage, whilst power cuts and transport disruption are likely. Train and bus services may face delays or cancellations, with motorists warned of dangerous driving conditions and standing water on roads.
The West Midlands, including Wolverhampton, is amongst areas expected to see significant storm activity. Lightning strikes and strong gusts pose risks to buildings, whilst reduced visibility will create hazardous conditions for road users.
Temperatures will reach 24-26°C across central and southern England before storms hit, with 18-22°C further north. Winds remain light at 5-10mph but could gust much higher during thunderstorms.
Weather chiefs urge residents to secure outdoor items, check drains and gutters, and avoid walking or driving through floodwater. Those planning weekend outdoor activities should consider changing their plans.
The exact timing and intensity of storms remains uncertain. Residents are advised to monitor the Met Office website and local authority guidance for real-time updates as conditions develop.