London is set for lashings of rain today, with a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms issued by the Met Office. The forecaster predicts that heavy rainfall will begin at 10am and follow through much of the afternoon – with the worst downpour striking at around 1pm.
From then on, rainfall will gradually become less severe until it tails off at around 5pm. Nevertheless, the Met’s yellow weather warning will be in effect from 10am to 9pm today, covering areas such as Bristol, Oxford, Southampton, London, Kent and Ipswich.
Forecasters say downpours could see up to 60mm of rain fall within two hours in some places and warned of possible flash flooding, significant public transport disruptions, road closures and power cuts.
Met Office meteorologist Clare Nasir said: “Expect some heavy weather coming towards central and southern parts of England and Wales through the next 24 hours.
“A thunderstorm warning has been issued for southern counties of England, all courtesy of this feature running down from the Republic of Ireland into Thursday, bringing more clouds, some showery bursts of rain turning heavy and thundery, with lightning as well as hail.”
Ms Nasir added there will be some “fine weather” further north, and sunshine in the afternoon for Northern Ireland, western Scotland and Wales. Thunderstorms are expected to clear over Thursday night.
The Met Office added: “Thunderstorms and heavy showers may bring some disruption during Thursday.
“Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
“Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
“There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.”
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