A yellow weather warning was issued by the Met Office today (Wednesday, July 31). Thunderstorms are predicted to roll over London. The warning is due to last from 12pm today until 11.59pm tomorrow on Thursday.
Despite being one of the hottest weeks of the year with a mini-heatwave, the rain is set to return. Storms are likely to break out later this afternoon and evening.
The yellow warning spans across the whole of the South East of the UK, over all of London and Kent and reaching as far as Ipswich in Suffolk in the east and Weymouth in the west. On Thursday, it will extend to most of England and Wales.
The Met Office said: “Where these occur, 20 to 30 mm of rain is possible within an hour, and perhaps as much as 50 mm in two hours; the latter more likely across southeast England and parts of East Anglia during the evening. Lightning will be an additional hazard.”
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The Met Office gave their verdict for what to expect on Thursday. A spokesperson said: “Whilst there is some uncertainty, thunderstorms may affect southeast England during the early hours of Thursday, perhaps also extending into parts of East Anglia. Where these occur, rain accumulations of 25-40 mm are possible in 1 hour, with a small risk of over 60mm in 2-3 hours, and accompanied by frequent lightning at times.
They added: “Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are then expected to develop through Thursday afternoon and evening across parts of central, southern and eastern England, and perhaps also south Wales. These have the potential to produce 50 mm or more in 1-2 hours, along with gusty winds, large hail, and the risk of surface water flooding.”
Heavy showers are supposed to hit the north in the morning too.
The forecaster advised those in areas at risk of flash floods to prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Part of this could be preparing for power cuts – so gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essentials are a good idea.
The Met Office advised: “Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.”
Ensure you check road conditions if driving or bus and train timetables to avoid delays and amend your travel plans where necessary. The warning is yellow because it has a very low likelihood of having a medium impact on people in the area, the Met Office said.
Because lightning is a possibility the Met Office gave some advice if you get caught outside during the storms. A spokesperson said: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.”
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