Large areas of the UK are bracing for a weekend of unsettled weather, as the Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning spanning three days, from Friday morning until Sunday evening. The warning highlights the potential for heavy showers, lightning strikes, hail, and strong winds, which could lead to localised disruption and challenging conditions for many residents.
The warning comes into effect at 10:00 BST on Friday, 14th June, covering much of England and Wales, extending northwards into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Forecasters anticipate that while not all areas within the warning zone will experience severe thunderstorms, where they do occur, they could be intense. Rainfall totals could quickly accumulate, with some areas potentially seeing 20-30mm of rain in an hour, and isolated spots experiencing up to 50mm over a few hours.
For England, the warning primarily covers central, eastern, and southern regions, including cities like London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Wales is entirely within the warning area, with potential impacts across all counties. In Scotland, the southern borders and parts of the central belt may be affected, while Northern Ireland could see isolated thunderstorms, particularly in eastern counties. These conditions are expected to persist throughout Saturday and Sunday, with the warning expiring at 23:59 BST on Sunday, 16th June.
The primary concerns associated with these thunderstorms include localised flooding of homes and businesses, which could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures. There is also a risk of delays and cancellations to train and bus services. Power cuts are a possibility due to lightning strikes, and some rural communities might experience temporary isolation. Wind gusts could reach 30-40 mph in exposed areas during the storms.
Temperatures across the UK are expected to remain relatively warm over the weekend, with highs in southern England potentially reaching 20-22°C, and around 17-19°C further north. This warmth, combined with high humidity, creates the unstable atmospheric conditions necessary for thunderstorm development. The Met Office advises the public to stay updated with the latest forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
Practical safety advice includes avoiding travel if conditions are severe, ensuring mobile phones are charged in case of power outages, and being aware of potential flood risks. If driving, motorists should slow down, use headlights, and be prepared for standing water. It is crucial never to drive through floodwater, as depths can be deceptive and dangerous.
Source: Met Office