UK Braces for Intense Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall

Strategic Insights -

The UK is facing a tumultuous weekend as two yellow weather warnings have been issued by the Met Office, forecasting thunderstorms and heavy showers across various regions. Up to 70mm of rainfall is expected to fall in the worst-affected areas, potentially leading to damage to buildings, disruption to public transport, and flooding. The stormy weather follows a warm and dry spell, with temperatures reaching 25C in Inverness on Wednesday and highs of 26C forecasted for Thursday.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms, covering most of south-west England, parts of Wales, the Midlands, and west London on Friday, and all of Wales and south-west England on Saturday.
  • Up to 70mm of rainfall is expected to fall in the worst-affected areas on Saturday, with hail and frequent lightning also possible.
  • The stormy weather follows a warm and dry spell, with temperatures reaching 25C in Inverness on Wednesday and highs of 26C forecasted for Thursday.
  • A "gentle decline" in temperature is expected over the weekend, with highs of 24C forecasted for East Anglia on Saturday and low 20s in the area on Sunday.
  • As of September 17, the UK has seen an average 49.5mm of rainfall, which is typical for this time of year.
  • Successive bands of rain and normal conditions for autumn are expected next week.

Statistics:

  • Up to 70mm of rainfall expected in the worst-affected areas on Saturday.
  • Temperatures reached 25C in Inverness on Wednesday.
  • Highs of 26C forecasted for Thursday.
  • Highs of 24C forecasted for East Anglia on Saturday.
  • Low 20s in East Anglia forecasted on Sunday, September 22.
  • Average rainfall in the UK as of September 17: 49.5mm.

Sources:

  • Met Office (@metoffice)

+ Twitter post: "Yellow weather warning issued â ï¸ Thunderstorms across central and southern parts of Wales and England Friday 1200 -- 2000 Latest info ð https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs Stay #WeatherAwareâ ï¸ pic.twitter.com/9obCdcFZ8i"

  • Met Office (@metoffice)

+ Twitter post: "Yellow weather warning issued â ï¸ Thunderstorms across Wales plus central and southern parts of England Saturday 0100 -- 2359 Latest info ð https://t.co/QwDLMfS950 Stay #WeatherAwareâ ï¸ pic.twitter.com/nShyX4gsz8"

  • Met Office Meteorologist Dan Stroud

+ Quote: "We are being spoiled by almost summer's last hurrah, but there's a bit of a change coming down the line as we move our way through towards Friday, and especially the weekend."