Thunderstorms set to hit the UK

The weekend will see temperatures get hotter than Ibiza, and we are being warned of thunderstorms in parts of the country

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 10th Jun 2023

We are being told to expect thunderstorms for some parts of the country as temperature soar.

Temperatures are set to reach 31 degrees in central and south England on Saturday - that is hotter than Ibiza.

With the warm weather, we are being warned that thunderstorms will sweep in.

Speaking to the Press Association, Chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: "As the heat builds from the south, thundery showers will develop through Saturday afternoon," he said. "While not everyone in the warning area will see the heaviest showers, or even any rain at all, some will bring heavy thundery downpours.

"With intense showers there is a risk of surface water flooding which could cause some disruption."

A yellow thunderstorm warning for Wales, and a large part of southern and central England is in place this afternoon - from 2pm to 9pm. It means a risk of travel disruption, localised flooding, and even power cuts

A second yellow warning is in place for midday to 9pm for Wales, Northern Ireland and most of western and central England and Scotland. Parts of east and northern Scotland are likely to avoid the most extreme conditions.

Mr Saunders said: "Sunday will see 30C again in parts of southern UK and the risk of thunderstorms more widely - particularly western and central areas."

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber alert for hot weather until 9am on Monday in the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

It means the impact of the heat is "likely to be felt across the whole health service... and the wider population, not just the most vulnerable".

A further yellow alert, which is less serious and warns that there may be some disruption to services due to weather conditions, is in place for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions of England, as well as London.

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