Thunder and lightning activity is in the forecast from later today [Wednesday 31 July] extending at least into Thursday.
Neil Armstrong, Chief Forecast at the Met Office, said: “The focus for Wednesday’s thunderstorm Yellow warning extends across a swathe of southeastern England from Hampshire to Essex, including London and parts of the Home Counties. While many areas will stay dry, a few places could see thunderstorms later today with frequent lightning and heavy downpours possible.”
UK daytime temperatures are forecast to reach highs of 30-32°C, in parts of central and southern England and eastern Wales. This will be accompanied by high levels of humidity. Neil added the focus for the maximum heat has moved further west from yesterday. Temperatures in northern England will reach mid 20s°C while parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland will reach low 20s°C or high teens.
For Thursday the Met Office’s Yellow thunderstorm warning covers most of England and Wales except the far South West and northwest. Dan Holley is a Met Office deputy chief forecaster. He said: “The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning over a broad geographical area but not all locations will see impacts. The most intense impacts are likely to be focussed on central, southern and southeast areas of England. Here some locations will witness torrential downpours, large hail and frequent lightning. A few places could see 50-100mm of rainfall in a few hours.”
Short-notice warnings
It is likely that some warnings may need to be issued at short notice ahead of the development of the most intense thunderstorm activity.
Hot conditions will remain, until a fresher and cooler influence begins from Friday. There is still the risk of isolated thunderstorm activity in the east or southeast of England but the frequency and impacts will be much reduced compared with Wednesday and Thursday.
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