Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Hit Millions in the UK

Strategic Insights -

September has started with a dismal note as millions of Brits across 60 areas experience a 50-hour downpour. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms, providing an early taste of autumn weather. Residents in the South West and Wales are most affected, with two yellow alerts issued by the Met Office. The first warning is in place from 9pm on Wednesday night to 11:45pm on Thursday evening, while the second warning starts 15 minutes later and lasts for 24 hours.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms, covering 60 areas across the UK.
  • The first warning is in place from 9pm on Wednesday night to 11:45pm on Thursday evening, while the second warning starts at midnight and lasts for 24 hours.
  • An entire month's worth of rain is expected to fall during the period, with potential flooding impacts.
  • Heavy rain is expected to become more extensive on Wednesday night and especially Thursday, with some areas potentially seeing 80 to 100mm of rain.
  • Scattered heavy showers are expected to merge into longer spells of heavy, perhaps thundery rain during the overnight period.
  • Residents in the South West and Wales are most affected, with areas including Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset expected to see heavy rain.

Statistics:

  • 50 hours of continuous rainfall
  • 60 areas affected across the UK
  • 20-40mm of rain possible within an hour or two in affected areas
  • 50-60mm of rain possible over a longer period
  • 80-100mm of rain possible in repeated batches of heavy rain
  • 2 yellow weather warnings issued by the Met Office

Sources:

  • The Met Office
  • The Telegraph