A potent storm system has rolled in over southern England and Wales, prompting a yellow thunderstorm warning from the Met Office. The warning, which came into effect early this morning, threatens to bring significant disruption to large parts of the region.
Forecasters are predicting heavy downpours, frequent lightning, hail, and strong gusty winds for areas including Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset, and parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Gloucestershire in England. In Wales, the entire country is under warning, with particular vigilance advised for coastal regions and valleys where rainfall could accumulate rapidly.
Recent high temperatures have contributed to a volatile atmosphere, fuelling these convective storms. With daytime temperatures expected to remain in the low to mid-20s Celsius and overnight lows not dropping significantly, the muggy feel is set to persist.
The Met Office warns of potential power cuts and advises the public to take precautions when travelling. Motorists are urged to drive with extra care, be aware of spray and sudden flooding, and consider if their journey is essential during the most intense periods of the storms.