UK weather: Met Office warns of thunderstorms to hit today with heavy rain, lightning strikes and floods to spark chaos
Brits are being warned to brace for thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning strikes, and floods in many parts of the UK. The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings covering a large portion of Britain. The warnings indicate that slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms may cause flooding and disruption in various areas. The first warning covers central and northern parts of England, while the second warning is in place from southwest England to London. Driving conditions are expected to be difficult, with road closures and disruptions to train and bus services likely. Some homes and businesses could also be flooded, and there is a slight chance of power cuts.
A third yellow weather warning for rain has been issued for a large part of Scotland, affecting cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. The warning is in place from 1pm until midnight, with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms expected to lead to flooding and transport disruption. Sunday is forecasted to start off cloudy with rain pushing northwards, becoming showery in the afternoon. Showers are likely to be heavy and thundery at times, with temperatures around average for the time of year. Bank Holiday Monday will see cloudier conditions in the north but will give way to scattered showers, especially across Scotland. The forecast beyond Monday predicts changeable weather with sunny spells, showers, and cooler temperatures.
Looking ahead to the end of May and early June, the Met Office predicts a mix of sunny spells and showers across the UK, with the possibility of heavy showers in some areas. As high pressure builds in from the west, conditions are expected to become more settled with fewer showers. Temperatures are likely to be around normal or slightly above for the time of year during this period. Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris mentions that Sunday will have a mix of sunny spells and scattered heavy showers, with Scotland experiencing cloudier conditions and rain. Bank Holiday Monday is expected to be brighter, cooler, and breezier with scattered showers, particularly in England and Wales. Northern Ireland may also see heavy showers later in the day.
Overall, the weather in the coming days is predicted to be changeable with sunny spells, frequent showers, and cooler temperatures. Showers are expected to be heavy and thundery at times, especially across Scotland. The long-range forecast indicates that the south of the UK will likely be drier, with the focus on showers or rainfall in the north. There are no strong signals for a particular type of weather to dominate in the following week, with temperatures remaining around normal or slightly above for the time of year. The outlook for Bank Holiday Monday suggests brighter, cooler, and breezier conditions with scattered showers, likely focusing on Scotland and northeast England.
