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Storms

UK Braces for Extreme Weather: Thunderstorms and Record Temperatures

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The UK is facing a double weather warning: thunderstorms in the north and record-breaking temperatures in the south. A yellow heat health alert has been issued for southern England, with temperatures expected to reach 34C or higher on Monday. Meanwhile, the Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, predicting heavy rain, hail, and strong winds.

Key Takeaways:

  • A yellow heat health alert has been issued for southern England until Tuesday 9am, affecting London, the south-west, south-east, east of England, East Midlands, and West Midlands.
  • Temperatures are expected to reach 34C or higher in the south-east on Monday, potentially beating the current record of 31.9C set on 19 July at St James's Park in central London.
  • The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, predicting heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, with a potential for 20-40mm of rain in some areas.
  • The thunderstorms are forecast to clear towards the north-east by Monday afternoon, while hot temperatures in the south are expected to return to normal levels by midweek.
  • The high temperatures will bring a rise in pollen count from nettle and mugwort pollen and high UV levels, with the Met Office recommending covering up during midday hours and wearing sunscreen.
  • Storm Debby in the US is causing a kink in the jet stream, leading to hot air being pushed northward and extreme weather conditions.

Statistics:

  • 34C: the predicted temperature in the south-east on Monday.
  • 31.9C: the current record temperature set on 19 July at St James's Park in central London.
  • 20-40mm: the potential rainfall in some areas.
  • 40-60mm: the potential rainfall in one to two hours in very local areas.
  • 2cm: the diameter of hailstones predicted.
  • Tuesday 9am: the end of the yellow heat health alert in southern England.
  • Monday afternoon: the forecast time for the thunderstorms to clear in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Sources:

  • A spokesperson for the UK Health Security Agency
  • The Met Office

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