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Rain

UK Braces for Severe Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Severe thunderstorms and heavy rainfall are set to hit a vast swathe of the UK, with warnings issued for Wales, western England, and northern Scotland. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings, one for thunderstorms and the other for heavy rain, with the potential for life-threatening flooding and disruptions to transportation. The storms are expected to move northwards from Tuesday afternoon, with widespread rainfall and flooding affecting parts of the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office for thunderstorms and heavy rain, covering Wales, western England, and northern Scotland.
  • The thunderstorm warning spans most of Wales, including Powys and Gwynedd, and parts of western England including Manchester and Birmingham.
  • Rainfall of 10-20mm is possible in an hour, with some areas potentially seeing 30mm in a few hours.
  • Motorists can expect delays due to flooded roads and spray, with some homes and businesses at risk of flooding.
  • The Met Office warns of a small chance of damage from lightning strikes.
  • Northern Scotland can expect 90mm of rainfall from 10pm on Tuesday to 11.59pm on Wednesday.
  • Widespread rainfall of 20-30mm is forecast, with some areas experiencing heavier bursts of rain reaching 50-75mm.
  • Difficult driving conditions are expected due to flooding and spray, with some communities potentially being cut off by flooded roads.
  • A small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater exists, which could pose a danger to life.
  • Train and bus services may be cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions.
  • Unsettled cloudy weather is forecast for the UK on Tuesday and Wednesday, with temperatures warming up slightly and turning drier by the end of the week.
  • Central England is expected to experience the UK's warmest temperature of up to 22C on Wednesday, while rural Scotland will drop to 3C on Thursday evening.

Statistics:

  • 2pm on Tuesday marks the start of thundery downpours.
  • 10-20mm of rainfall is possible in an hour.
  • 30mm of rainfall could occur in a few hours.
  • 90mm of rainfall is expected in northern Scotland from 10pm on Tuesday to 11.59pm on Wednesday.
  • 20-30mm of rainfall is forecast, with areas experiencing 50-75mm.
  • 3C is the forecast temperature for rural Scotland on Thursday evening.
  • 22C is the forecast temperature for central England on Wednesday.

Sources:

  • PA Wire
  • Met Office

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