The Met Office has issued a high-impact yellow thunderstorm warning for 31 areas across England and Wales, with five hours of intense weather due to hit the regions by midday. The alert, which began at 11am BST and will last until 4pm BST, warns of lightning strikes, heavy downpours, and hail, posing a significant threat to motorists on major routes.
Forecasters predict possible localised flooding, power cuts, and disruptions to public transport services in the affected areas. The warning spans parts of the Midlands, East England, South East England, and Wales, although the Met Office has not revealed which specific regions are included within the alert at this stage. Typical wind speeds during such events can reach 20-30mph, further exacerbating driving conditions.
Before the storms arrive, temperatures in the affected areas will be relatively mild, potentially reaching 20-22°C. However, a rapid drop in temperature is expected as the storms bring sudden and intense weather conditions. The Met Office advises residents to prepare for surface water flooding and exercise caution around lightning strikes, which can pose a significant risk.
The East of England's counties, including Greater London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk, are among those most likely to be affected in England. Wales' eastern regions will also experience these thunderstorms, while Scotland and Northern Ireland remain under separate weather warnings.
Practical safety advice from the Met Office includes unplugging non-essential appliances, avoiding electrical equipment during a storm, and staying away from open water. Motorists are urged to slow down, increase stopping distances, and be aware of spray and sudden gusts of wind. If caught in a storm outdoors, seeking immediate shelter and avoiding tall objects or open fields is crucial.