Large swathes of the UK are preparing for a weekend marked by significant rainfall and thunderstorms, as the Met Office issues yellow weather warnings for Saturday. Forecasters predict a 'soggy start' to the weekend, with the risk of lightning strikes, hail, and strong winds accompanying the downpours.
The yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms cover much of England, Wales, and parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland throughout Saturday. These warnings highlight the potential for disruption to travel, localised flooding of homes and businesses, and difficult driving conditions due to surface water and reduced visibility. The public is advised to stay updated with local forecasts and be prepared for rapidly changing weather.
In England, regions including the West Midlands, East Midlands, and parts of the South East and South West are particularly at risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Birmingham, for instance, is expected to see persistent rain with a strong chance of thunder. Temperatures across England are anticipated to range between 15°C and 18°C, with wind gusts potentially reaching 20-25 mph during storm activity.
Wales is also under a yellow warning, with heavy rain and thunderstorms likely to affect many areas, particularly central and eastern regions. Similar to England, residents should prepare for potential travel delays and localised flooding. Temperatures in Wales are forecast to be around 14°C to 17°C. Scotland will see a mix of showers, some heavy, with warnings extending to central and southern parts. Northern Ireland is also expected to experience some unsettled weather, though the warnings are less widespread than in Great Britain, with temperatures around 13°C to 16°C.
Practical safety advice from the Met Office includes avoiding travel if possible during severe thunderstorms, not walking or driving through floodwater, and being aware of the risk of lightning. If caught outdoors during a storm, seeking shelter in a sturdy building is recommended, and avoiding open spaces or tall objects. The unsettled conditions are expected to persist for much of Saturday before gradually easing into Sunday, though isolated showers may still occur.