The Met Office has issued a new weather warning as thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast across the UK this weekend. The forecast includes potential damage to buildings from lightning strikes, disruptions to public transport, and a risk of flooding in affected areas.
The warning for thunderstorms on Friday covers most of south-west England, parts of Wales, the Midlands, and west London from 12 noon until 8 pm. These areas could experience rainfall rates of 15-24 mm per hour before easing in the evening. A second warning is in place for thunderstorms all day on Saturday, extending until midnight on Sunday. It encompasses Wales, southwest England, the Midlands, and parts of southeast England.
Additionally, a third weather warning for rain has been issued for Sunday, with affected areas in Wales and central southwest England expecting 50-70 mm of rainfall in a few hours, accompanied by hail and frequent lightning. This stormy weather follows a period of warm, dry conditions, with temperatures reaching 25°C in Inverness and southeast England on Wednesday and Thursday respectively.
The Met Office’s chief meteorologist, Jason Kelly, highlighted the development of thundery downpours in southern England, bringing lightning, gusty winds, hail, and heavy rain into Friday evening. The risk of thunderstorms will persist into the weekend, with potential prolonged periods of heavy rain and a continued threat of hail and lightning in intense storms.
Kelly noted that the warnings were targeted at the areas most likely to experience thunderstorms, but not everyone within the warned areas would be affected. He added that, for many, dry conditions would prevail for much of the time.
The anticipated weather conditions have prompted preparations for potential risks and disruptions, urging residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the approaching stormy weekend.