Dramatic lightning strikes across Cornwall as heatwave grips UK
Incredible footage was captured across the Duchy on Tuesday morning, including at Newlyn
Last updated 19th Jul 2022
Dramatic footage of lightning strikes over Cornwall have been caught on camera, after days of extreme heat.
After what was the UK's hottest night on record, with temperatures remaining at 26C in parts of West Yorkshire, the Duchy woke up to thunder and lightning on Tuesday.
The Met Office shared a chart showing a band of stormy weather sweep across Cornwall and Isles of Scilly between 6am and 9am.
Lucy McRobert, Communications Manager for the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, told the PA news agency she first heard the "rumblings" of thunder and lightning at around 5.30am.
"(It peaked) between 6.30 and 7am (and was) tracking up from the Bay of Biscay through the night", the 31-year-old said.
"I don’t think we’ve ever been so relieved to see the sky go black and the rain start pouring".
Ms McRobert added that the area's wildlife and community are dependent on the rain and some species have been struggling.
"Our heathland habitats, our freshwater pools and most importantly our farmland will all be feeling very grateful", she said.
The Met Office reported a high of 34.2C in Cornwall on Monday, but Will James, an associate director from Redruth, said the thunder was "certainly not a surprise".
“I’ve learnt to always expect the unexpected in Cornwall. And to take forecasts with a pinch of salt", the 40-year-old told PA.
Mr James tweeted two photos of the view from Redruth towards the hills of Four Lanes and Carn Brea, taken around an hour and a half apart, showing how quickly the weather changed.
The first photo, taken at roughly 8.10am, showed a bolt of lightning coming from thick clouds, while the other, taken at 9.30am, was of a mostly blue sky.
"That’s Cornwall weather for you", said Mr James.
"It feels a lot fresher and less muggy now after the storms. It's nice to know I won't have to water the plants now".
Despite the rainy respite, the whole of the South West remains under a red 'Heat Health Alert'.
The Met Office amber extreme heat warning has been lifted for west Cornwall, but remains in force for areas in the north and south east of the Duchy.
With Tuesday's temperatures in Cornwall expected to peak in the mid-20s, the advice is still to seek shade and stay hydrated.
However, parts of London and the South East are proving to be far hotter.
The Met Office says a provisional temperature of 39.1C was recorded today (Tuesday 19 July) at Charlwood in Surrey, beating the previous national record of 38.7C seen in Cambridge in July 2019.
However the Met Office has since said temperatures of 40C have been provisionally exceeded in the UK for the first time ever, with 40.2C reported at Heathrow.
How to stay safe in hot weather
Look out for the vulnerable
Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
Close curtains
Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
Avoid excess alcohol
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave children or pets in locked car
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Check equipment’s work properly
Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.
Stay in doors at peak sun hours
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
Stay in shade
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
Take breaks
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Always have water
Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
Follow safety advice
Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
Check medicines
Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.