The UK was battered by intense thunderstorms just hours before England's crucial Women's World Cup match against Mexico, causing widespread disruption and forcing fans to adapt their plans. Large parts of the country experienced heavy downpours and lightning strikes, prompting the Met Office to issue yellow warnings across various regions.
The warnings, primarily covering areas of England and Wales, highlighted the risk of intense rainfall, which could lead to localised flooding and difficult driving conditions. Forecasters predicted rainfall totals could reach between 20-30mm within an hour in some locations, with isolated spots potentially seeing up to 50mm over a few hours. Gusts of wind up to 30-40 mph were also anticipated in exposed areas during the storms.
Residents in England's South West, Midlands, and North West regions reported vivid lightning displays and sudden deluges, while Wales experienced similar conditions with warnings in place for much of the country. Scotland and Northern Ireland largely escaped the worst weather, but still had cloudy conditions. The timing of the storms added to concerns about fans planning to watch the match at home or outdoor venues.
The Met Office advised people to be aware of the potential for power cuts and disruption to public transport services due to the adverse weather. Safety advice included urging drivers to slow down and be aware of spray and sudden flooding on roads, while pedestrians were warned against walking through floodwater. Temperatures during the storms remained mild, between 15-18 degrees Celsius, but felt cooler due to the rain and wind.
The Met Office indicates that the intense thunderstorms may ease overnight, but unsettled weather could persist in some areas over the next 24-48 hours. The public is encouraged to stay updated with the latest forecasts and warnings for their specific region.