Yellow weather warnings are in force across central and eastern England as the Met Office warns of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall over the coming days, with temperatures set to climb into the mid-20s Celsius.
The combination of warm, humid air from continental Europe is creating unstable atmospheric conditions ripe for severe weather. While not all areas under warning will be affected, those that are could face significant downpours, surface water flooding and hazardous driving conditions.
Central and eastern England, including London, Birmingham and Norwich, are most at risk from heavy showers and lightning strikes. Localised areas could see hail and wind gusts reaching 30mph. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland face cooler conditions with less widespread storm activity, though isolated showers remain possible in eastern Scotland and parts of Wales.
The Met Office is urging the public to stay informed about latest forecasts, particularly before travelling or planning outdoor activities. Safety advice includes avoiding exposed areas during thunderstorms, unplugging non-essential electrical appliances, and watching for sudden localised flooding. Drivers should prepare for reduced visibility and standing water on roads.
Forecasters will continue monitoring the weather system and may extend or escalate warnings depending on how conditions develop. The current pattern shows little sign of immediate change, with the warm continental air mass maintaining the thunderstorm risk across affected regions.