The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning today, indicating the risk of flash flooding and travel disruption later today.
The yellow weather warning covers parts of south-west England, Wales and the West Midlands, and is expected to be in force from 1pm to 8pm on Saturday.
Warning of Thunderstorms with Risk of Flooding and Disruption to Travel
Heavy showers and slow-moving thunderstorms are expected, which could cause flooding and disruption in some areas. The Met Office has warned of “difficult driving conditions”, possible road closures and the likelihood of train and bus cancellations.
Some parts of the UK could receive up to 30mm of rainfall in the space of an hour or two, increasing the risk of communities being temporarily isolated due to flooded roads.
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are now breaking out across south Wales and southwest England ⚠️
Take care if you are out and about and stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/8SBb8XXp0m
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 18, 2024
Around thirty regions in the UK will be affected, including:
- Bath, Cornwall, and Dorset in south-west England
- Cardiff, Newport, and Swansea in Wales
- Herefordshire and Shropshire in the West Midlands
Anyone intending on travelling to the affected areas is advised to check road conditions before starting their journey.
- To View the Flood Zones Map
- Find Out About Flooding Near You
- Scottish Flood Forecast
- Wales Flood warnings and alerts
Weather Forecast for the UK
On Saturday, showers and thunderstorms are forecast to diminish across the UK. Most regions will enjoy rain-free weather, particularly the north of England, where abundant sunshine is expected.
Temperatures in the South and Midlands are expected to reach highs of 22°C, while in Scotland, Glasgow and Dumfries could reach highs of 2°C and 20°C, while the east coast of the UK remains colder.
Thunderstorms have developed in the Cairngorms and frequent and heavy thundery downpours are affecting parts of south Wales and southwest England ⛈️
If you live in these areas, be aware of possible flooding disrupting travel and lightning strikes in the next few hours ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/z8Uh3tbt2A
— Met Office (@metoffice) May 18, 2024
Change in Weather Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, temperatures are set to fall, and the sky will be overcast across the UK. Some areas, such as Scotland and the south-east of England, could see scattered showers, although clear spells are expected later in the day.
Changeable Weather for the Week Ahead
Looking ahead to next week, expect patchy weather with rain and cloud. However, the Met Office suggests that this trend will change, with temperatures reaching into the 20s and even exceeding 30°C in some parts of the UK over the All Saints’ weekend.
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