The UK is bracing itself for a battering of thunderstorms as the record-breaking May heat wave comes crashing down to earth. Temperatures have soared to 25°C in some areas, but now face a dramatic drop, with some regions expecting temperatures to plummet by up to 15°C.
The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning, covering the entire UK from 6am on Thursday to 12pm on Friday. The north-west of England, Wales, and western Scotland are in the firing line, with strong winds and heavy rain expected to cause flash flooding and disruption to transport services.
Motorists have been warned to expect flooded roads and reduced visibility, while the public has been advised to stay indoors during the worst of the weather. The Met Office is urging people to check for updates before embarking on non-essential travel. In particular, those in western Scotland can expect temperatures as low as 10°C.
Regional breakdowns show England will see a drop from 25°C to 15°C, with the north-west experiencing the biggest fall. Scotland's temperature is expected to plummet from 22°C to 12°C, while Wales will see a drop from 23°C to 13°C. Northern Ireland faces the sharpest decline, from 20°C to 10°C.
The Met Office warns of gusts reaching up to 50mph in some areas, with the storms expected to clear by Saturday morning. The public is advised to stay vigilant and keep an eye on weather forecasts for updates.