The UK's West Country is bracing itself for a dramatic change in weather as a yellow warning for thunderstorms takes effect from 14:00 BST today, following a record-breaking spell of hot temperatures that left the region sweltering. The Met Office has issued the alert, which will remain in place until 20:00 BST, with forecasters warning of heavy downpours, lightning, and potential localised flooding.
While temperatures are expected to fall from their recent highs, the atmosphere remains unstable, creating ideal conditions for intense but short-lived storms. Areas most at risk include parts of Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, and Bristol, where residents are advised to be vigilant, particularly concerning road conditions which could become hazardous due to surface water and reduced visibility.
Across the wider UK, the weather picture is varied. Northern Ireland and much of Scotland can expect a mix of sunshine and scattered showers, with temperatures remaining in the mid-teens (around 15-18°C). Wales too may see some thundery downpours, particularly in eastern areas, with temperatures hovering around 20-22°C. For England, central and eastern regions are likely to remain warm and humid, with isolated showers possible, while the South East could still reach up to 25°C before conditions become more unsettled towards the weekend.
The Met Office's warning highlights the possibility of sudden heavy rain, leading to difficult driving conditions and localised flooding. There is also a small chance of power cuts and delays to public transport services due to lightning strikes. Wind speeds are generally light (around 5-10 mph), but gusts could be stronger during thunderstorms.
As the week progresses, an increasingly unsettled pattern is expected across the UK, with humidity persisting in many areas and keeping the risk of further convective showers and thunderstorms present, particularly across southern and central England. Safety advice from the Met Office includes checking local forecasts regularly, avoiding unnecessary travel during severe weather, and being aware of lightning risks.