The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms covering significant parts of England and Wales, effective from late Wednesday afternoon into the evening. This warning follows an extraordinary period of warmth that saw the UK record its hottest May day in history, with temperatures reaching an unseasonably high 27.5 degrees Celsius in some areas. The previous May record, set in 1991, was 27.2 degrees Celsius.
The yellow warning, which is in place until 9pm on Wednesday, highlights the potential for disruptive weather. Areas primarily affected include the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, North East England, North West England, South West England, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber. In Wales, the warning covers Central, East, North, and South West Wales. Forecasters predict that while not all areas within the warning zone will experience thunderstorms, those that do could see heavy downpours, lightning, hail, and strong gusty winds.
The intense heat that preceded these warnings has been attributed to a combination of high pressure and warm air being drawn up from the continent. This has provided a stark contrast to the cooler and more unsettled weather experienced earlier in the month. However, the arrival of the thunderstorms signals a shift towards more typical late-spring conditions, with temperatures expected to moderate significantly over the coming days.
For regions like Scotland and Northern Ireland, the immediate forecast remains less dramatic, with a mix of sunshine and some scattered showers. While they are not directly covered by the current thunderstorm warning, the broader change in atmospheric conditions will eventually bring a more settled, albeit cooler, picture across the entire UK. The Met Office advises residents in affected areas to prepare for potential travel disruption, power cuts, and localised flooding.
Practical advice includes securing loose outdoor items, avoiding unnecessary travel during severe storms, and being aware of flooded roads. Drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution, as sudden heavy rain can significantly reduce visibility and increase stopping distances. The transition from record-breaking heat to stormy conditions underscores the variable nature of British weather during spring.