The Met Office has issued three urgent thunderstorm alerts covering a wide area of the UK within the next 24 hours.
Today, the southern parts of England, the Midlands, and East Anglia are under the yellow weather warning zone, along with sections of Wales. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are anticipated to persist until 8pm tonight. Additionally, a separate weather warning for rain is currently in effect in northeast Scotland and will end at 9pm.
Starting at 2am tomorrow, a 15-hour yellow thunderstorm alert will encompass most of Wales and northern England as the front moves northeastward.
According to the Met Office alert, “Scattered heavy showers, some accompanied by thunder, are expected to develop later this morning and through the afternoon before easing this evening. In the most active storms, hail, strong gusty winds, and lightning may have an impact. Some areas could also experience frequent, heavy rain leading to potential surface water flooding.”
The national weather agency mentioned that driving conditions could be affected by spray during the showers, and there is a possibility of damage to buildings and structures from strong winds and lightning strikes.
Other potential consequences include potential delays to train services, brief power outages, and localized flooding.
Heavy rainfall is also predicted in the north and Scotland today, clearing by the evening before resuming early tomorrow.
Moreover, the Environment Agency has issued six flood alerts in the southwest due to elevated river levels. Officials are closely monitoring the situation in Cornwall following heavy rainfall over the past 48 hours and are actively clearing blockages in rivers and waterways.
Following a damp start to September, a drier and milder weather outlook is expected for the weekend, with temperatures reaching 23C in southern regions. Showers are anticipated on Sunday, possibly accompanied by strong gales.