The Met Office has this morning issued a new alert for thunderstorms which are set to sweep parts of the UK - including almost two inches of rain and 3cm hail. The yellow alert is in place for tomorrow from 1pm - 9pm - and it is warned they could be severe enough to cause disruption and localised flooding on Sunday afternoon and evening.
The warning covers the East Midlands, North East England, Yorkshire and Humber, Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian and Borders, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, Orkney and Shetland as well as Central, Tayside and Fife.
The Met Office said: “Whilst there remains some uncertainty in whether thunderstorms develop as cooler conditions follow from the west, there is a chance that an organised line of thunderstorms could develop across northern Britain during Sunday afternoon before clearing east into the North Sea during the evening. This is more likely to happen across eastern parts of the warning area including northeast England and eastern Scotland.
“Rainfall amounts will vary significantly, but some locations could see 30-40 mm in 1-2 hours. Frequent lightning, large hail (up to 3 cm in diameter) and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards.”
The Met Office said homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings and temporary outdoor structures from floodwater, lightning strikes, large hail or strong winds. A health warning has been issued by the government and Met Office for most of England for this weekend. The yellow heat-health alert means that the NHS is set to come under serious pressure as those with underlying health conditions potentially will need treatment.
The warning has been issued for seven regions of England - and is in place from 9am on Friday until 9am on Monday June 26 with temperatures expected to soar above 32C. With Glastonbury taking place over the weekend festival goers are being told to make sure they take precautions against the sun and have plenty to drink.
The alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office is active in London, the South East, South West, East Midlands, West Midlands,East of England and Yorkshire and the Humber. Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “This heat-health alert means that in the coming days we are likely to experience another sustained period of hot weather, so it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
