Thunderstorm Warning Brought Forward, Sunshine to be Short-Lived

Strategic Insights -

A thunderstorm warning has been brought forward in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and Purbeck area, potentially ending the brief spell of sunshine even sooner. The Met Office has moved the start of its yellow thunderstorm warning from 12pm on Wednesday, July 31, to the end of Thursday, August 1. This warning is expected to bring heavy showers, lightning, and hail, potentially leading to difficult driving conditions, road closures, and even power cuts.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Met Office has brought forward the start of its yellow thunderstorm warning from midnight on Thursday to 12pm on Wednesday, July 31.
  • The warning covers the whole Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and Purbeck area and is expected to last until the end of Thursday, August 1.
  • Heavy showers could result in 20-30 mm of rain within an hour, with 24-hour accumulations reaching as much as 70-90 mm in areas affected by multiple showers.
  • Lightning, hail, and strong winds are possible, and there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly.
  • The UKHSA has issued a 'heat health alert' for the area, with temperatures potentially reaching as high as 30C on Tuesday.

Statistics:

  • 20-30 mm of rain is possible within an hour in areas affected by thunderstorms.
  • 70-90 mm of rain could accumulate in 24 hours in areas affected by multiple showers.
  • Temperatures could reach as high as 30C on Tuesday, prompting a 'heat health alert'.

Sources:

  • Met Office
  • UKHSA (United Kingdom Health Security Agency)