Large swathes of England and Wales are bracing for potential disruption as the Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for Saturday. The warnings, which cover areas from the South West to the North East of England and across much of Wales, highlight the risk of heavy rainfall, frequent lightning, hail, and strong gusty winds.
The unsettled weather is anticipated to begin early on Saturday morning, with the warnings extending throughout the day until late evening. Forecasters predict that some areas could see between 20mm and 30mm of rain fall within an hour, with isolated spots potentially experiencing up to 40mm. This intense rainfall raises concerns about localised flooding, particularly in urban areas and on vulnerable road networks.
Within England, regions such as the Midlands, East of England, South East, South West, and parts of the North West and North East are all under the yellow warning. In Wales, the majority of the country is affected, with residents urged to exercise caution. Scotland and Northern Ireland are not currently included in these specific thunderstorm warnings, though general unsettled conditions may still be present.
The Met Office has advised the public to be aware of the potential for difficult driving conditions due to spray and sudden downpours, which could lead to longer journey times on roads and public transport. There is also a risk of power cuts and damage to some buildings from lightning strikes. Temperatures across the affected regions are expected to remain mild, generally ranging between 16°C and 20°C, adding to the humid feel before the storms break.
Safety advice includes avoiding unnecessary travel during peak storm activity, securing loose outdoor items, and being prepared for sudden changes in weather. Motorists are particularly urged to slow down and allow extra braking distance. The Met Office continues to monitor the situation and may update warnings if conditions change.
Source: BBC