UK Met Office issues thunderstorm Yellow alert for parts of England, Wales

Following the warmest stretch of the year in portions of the UK, thunderstorms are expected in several areas of England and Wales, according to Met Office.

Thunderstorms and lightning are expected to begin later today, Wednesday and last through Thursday.

Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Neil Armstrong, stated that 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.

The weather office said while many areas will remain dry, a few locations may experience 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.

Mr. 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.

It is likely that some warnings may need to be issued at short notice ahead of the development of the most intense thunderstorm activity, the office said.

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.