The Met Office has issued thunderstorm warnings for much of the UK from midday until Monday evening. According to the forecaster, thunderstorms and heavy rain could cause flooding and transport difficulties.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
Thunderstorms across parts of southeast England
Monday 1200 – 2100
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ pic.twitter.com/0lMbAb8m2u
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 6, 2024
Thunderstorm Warnings Extend to Parts of the UK
Much of the country will be affected by this turbulent weather system. The warnings extend to :
- South-East England, including counties such as Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire and even parts of South London.
- Mid-Wales region.
- A vast expanse of northern England, stretching from its southern tip to Glasgow and the south-western corners of Scotland.
These warnings will take effect from 13:00 (1PM) and should both end at 21:00 (9PM) on Monday evening.
Heavy, thundery rain across southeast England this afternoon 🌧️
Sunny spells and heavy showers across the rest of England, Wales and into Scotland 🌩️
Drier for Northern Ireland and western Scotland 🌤️ pic.twitter.com/oVDjWPSh8Y
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 6, 2024
Staying Safe on the Road
Motorists and travellers are being urged to take extra care and caution as the storm system strengthens. The Met Office has explicitly warned of the possibility of dangerous driving conditions, citing the likelihood of :
- Reduced visibility due to heavy rain and intense showers.
- Sudden and localised flooding, which may make certain routes impassable or necessitate temporary road closures.
- Accumulation of surface water, increasing the risk of aquaplaning and loss of vehicle control.
Cloudy Start to Bank Holiday Monday
Many parts of the UK were met with overcast skies and variable temperatures at the start of Bank Holiday Monday. From 12°C in the Hebrides to 18°C in the north of England at 1pm, it started off as a mixed bag of weather.
However, despite the cloudy start, weather forecasts point to a positive change over the coming days. From Tuesday, a shift towards warmer, brighter and drier conditions is expected, thanks to high pressure moving in over much of the UK.
This change is set to persist into the following weekend, bringing respite to those hoping for sunnier skies.
Regional Outlook
- London: According to the Met Office, we can expect sunny spells, with temperatures reaching 23°C on Saturday and Sunday.
- Edinburgh: High temperatures of 20°C are forecast, promising comfortable weather for the Scottish capital.
- Cardiff: The sun is out and temperatures will peak at 19°C, promising pleasant outdoor conditions.
- Belfast: Even if the clouds linger, it'll still be warm, with a maximum temperature of 20°C.
Met Office 5-Day Weather Forecast
Periods of sunny spells and heavy showers will develop over most of the UK today, with some heavy and slow moving with a few rumbles of thunder. Cloudier in the south-east with persistent heavy rain. Warm under the sun.
- Tonight:
Showers and rain gradually easing this evening with partly cloudy skies. Low cloud, mist and fog will form in places. Cooler conditions if there is any clearing. - Tuesday:
Cloudy start to the day, but clearing skies will develop throughout the day. However, the sky will remain very cloudy over the north. A few showers will form in the south in the afternoon. - Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Generally fine and dry, with variable amounts of cloud and some sunshine. Rain moving in over parts of Northern Ireland and northern Scotland on Wednesday. Rather warm under the sun.