Lightning strikes and hail are battering communities across the UK as the Met Office issues a yellow thunderstorm warning covering significant portions of England and Wales, with forecasters warning of potential flooding and power cuts.
The alert covers much of England, particularly the Midlands, parts of the South East, and North West, with central and eastern Wales also affected. Scotland and Northern Ireland face isolated showers with possible thunder, though they escape the most severe warnings. Temperatures of 18-20°C combined with high humidity are making conditions feel increasingly muggy.
Heavy downpours could dump 20-30mm of rain within an hour, with some areas seeing 40-50mm over several hours. Wind gusts will remain relatively modest at below 30mph, but the sudden deluges and lightning strikes pose the main threats to communities.
Transport networks face significant disruption as standing water creates hazardous road conditions and reduces visibility. Rail services may also experience delays. The Met Office warns of power cuts from lightning strikes on infrastructure, whilst property damage from lightning and large hail threatens homes in the worst-hit areas.
Residents should secure loose outdoor items and avoid exposed areas during storms. The Met Office advises against using mains-connected electrical equipment during thunderstorms, whilst pet owners must ensure animals remain safe from the loud thunder and severe conditions.
The extreme weather stems from warm, moist air combining with atmospheric instability. Conditions should ease overnight in most areas, though isolated showers may persist into the early hours. The Met Office continues monitoring the situation and will update warnings as needed.