A thunderstorm weather warning is in place across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland as the country braces for a barrage of bad weather. The Met Office warns of potential disruption across the nations today (June 18) as the weather takes a turn for the worse after weeks of heat and sunshine.
Heavy showers and some storms are expected across the South West, with the Met Office predicting the worse of the weather to hit between 12pm and 6pm. A yellow weather warning for thunder will be in place across the whole of England and Wales, and part of Northern Ireland from 12pm today until 11.59pm.
The forecaster warns of difficult driving conditions, possible flooding, and potential power cuts. There may also be delays to public transport due to flooding or lightening strikes.
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According to Met Office predictions, some parts of the South West are set to be hit worse than others. While Bristol is expected to see only a few showers, Cheltenham in Gloucestershire is forecast rain throughout the day, with thunder expected to hit around 2pm. Similarly, parts of western Somerset are predicted to see some heavy showers from the early afternoon.
The unsettled nature of these thunderstorms means that, while the warning has been issued across the country, some areas could avoid storms or rain entirely. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Almond said: “Over the weekend we’ll be transitioning to a more unsettled regime for the UK, though temperatures will remain high and it’ll feel very humid for many.
“Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to become more frequent and impactful through the weekend, with the potential for associated hail, lightning and some gusty winds. The risk of thundery downpours initially starts in the far west on Friday afternoon, but spreads more widely through the weekend, resulting in the warning the Met Office has issued.
“There’s an ongoing likelihood of further warnings being issued and revised in the coming days, so keep an eye on the forecast for the latest outlook.”
The Met Office added: "Though details are still being determined on the positioning of the heaviest thundery downpours, some places within the yellow warning area could see in excess of 30mm of rainfall within an hour, while some could see around 60mm over a six hour period on Sunday.
"However, due to the nature of these thunderstorms, some places will see much lower rainfall amounts, or even manage to avoid them altogether."
The first spit-spots of rain are expected to fall near Gloucester and Cheltenham from 10am. Somerset and Bristol are likely to remain dry until the afternoon, with rain blowing in from around 3pm or 4pm.
Despite the rain and thunder on the cards for many, temperatures are expected to remain warm and stay in the mid-20s today. This is likely to increase through the week as the risk of rain blows over and we return to clear and sunny skies.
South West forecast
Today: Sunny spells with showers breaking out by the afternoon, especially in the east where they may be locally heavy and thundery. The best of the sunshine further west. Feeling warm with light winds, though perhaps gusty in heavy downpours. Maximum temperature 23 °C.
Tonight: Any daytime showers easing to leave a dry evening with some late hazy sunshine. Remaining dry overnight with some patchy low cloud and clear spells. Feeling humid. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
Monday: Rather cloudy with some showers first thing. Cloud gradually breaking to give sunny spells and further scattered showers, locally heavy and thundery. Feeling warm and humid with light winds. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: A mixture of sunny spells and scattered showers. These heavy and locally thundery with gusty winds. Staying warm in sunnier spells and generally quite humid leading to further muggy nights.
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