UK Weather: Met Office Issues Thunderstorm Warning as Temperatures Soar
A spell of warm weather is set to bring temperatures of up to 30C to parts of the UK this week, prompting the Met Office to issue a three-day thunderstorm warning. The forecaster has warned of potential disruption, with heavy rain and thunderstorms expected to affect many parts of the country.
According to the Met Office, a plume of humid air from Iberia has brought the risk of thunderstorms across the country, set to last from Thursday through to Saturday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a heat alert from Thursday 9pm to Sunday 8am, covering the east of England, east midlands, London, and south east regions. The alert, which is classified as yellow, means that there could be an increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations, leading to an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning across the south west of England and Northern Ireland on Thursday, which will last until 1pm. Heavy rain and thunderstorms will move northwards, potentially leading to travel disruption in some places. The forecaster warned that there was "a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus", with delays to train services possible. Short-term power loss and other services are also likely.
A further yellow thunderstorm warning has been placed across the south east of England from Friday at 3pm until Saturday at 6am. The Met Office warned that spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with a small chance that communities could be cut off by flooded roads. The forecaster revealed that there was a chance of delayed public transport and power cuts, while homes and businesses could flood quickly, with damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail, and strong winds.
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said about the heat health alert that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, making it important for people to take precautions in the sun. "The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions," he said. "If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is essential to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice."
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, said: "After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south." He added that as temperatures rise this week, it is possible that heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England, and northeast Wales. However, he noted that it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty.
The Met Office has forecast that temperatures could reach highs of 27C on Wednesday, as well as 30C heat on Friday in south east and central England. Some western areas could see 20-40mm of rainfall over just a few hours with intense downpours moving northeasterly with lightning on Thursday. Meanwhile, another band of thunderstorms is set to move in again from the south west on Friday with intense rainfall into the early hours of Saturday.
In terms of the outlook for the rest of the week, the Met Office has forecast that today will be largely dry and sunny, with morning cloud across the south generally dissipating to leave a warm day for many. Showers will begin to affect the west this evening, with a more organised band of thundery rain following overnight. On Thursday, rain, heavy at times, will continue to move north and east throughout the day, with brighter conditions following but with some showers also developing. The outlook for Friday to Sunday is expected to stay warm and humid, with another spell of heavy and thundery rain developing, especially later, and staying changeable over the weekend with some further rain but feeling fresher.
The Independent reports that the Met Office has warned of potential disruption due to the thunderstorms, and it is essential for people to stay up to date with the latest weather forecasts and warnings. The Independent also understands that the UKHSA is urging people to take precautions in the sun, especially for older adults and those with pre-existing health conditions.
This article is based on reports from the Independent and information provided by the Met Office and UKHSA.
