The Met Office has issued a warning about the potential of thunderstorms hitting various parts of the UK this weekend. As warm air moves northward and eastward, showers are expected to become more widespread in certain areas. To provide a visual representation of the affected regions, a weather map has been released, highlighting the locations where thunder and lightning may occur.
Contents
Yellow Weather Warning for Thunderstorms
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning due to the arrival of a warm air plume that will raise temperatures and elevate the risk of thundery showers. As a high-pressure system moves away toward Scandinavia, southern winds will bring warmer conditions on Friday, possibly leading to a few showers in the far southwest.
Increased Risk of Thunderstorms
Throughout the weekend, the warm air will continue to advance northward and eastward, increasing the chances of more widespread showers accompanied by hail and gusty winds in certain areas. A comprehensive map from Ventusky depicts central and southern England, as well as Wales, as potential locations for thunder, hail, and rain over the weekend.
Timeframe and Potential Impacts
According to the forecast, weather conditions are expected to change around 2 p.m. on Saturday, and the warning will remain in effect until 9 p.m. Met Office forecaster Oli Clayden has warned about the possibility of heavy rainfall, which could lead to flooding and subsequent travel disruptions. It is essential for individuals to stay informed about the latest updates to ensure their safety.
Thunderstorm Risks in Scotland
Scotland is also at risk of thunderstorms during the weekend. STV meteorologist Sean Batty has mentioned that parts of the country may experience heavy rainfall. The western regions have already been enjoying warm weather, which is expected to intensify in the coming days, accompanied by increased humidity. Unsettled conditions observed in Portugal and Spain are likely to influence the weather in the UK, resulting in thundery showers.
Sporadic Nature of Thundery Showers
Thundery showers tend to be sporadic, meaning that while some areas may experience heavy rainfall, others could remain dry just a few miles away. These showers can be beneficial for watering gardens, but they are unlikely to alleviate water scarcity concerns in certain parts of the country. The inconsistency of rainfall distribution poses challenges in predicting its occurrence accurately.
Potential Impactful Thunderstorms
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris has highlighted that, despite the warm air bringing temperatures of around 30°C in some English regions, it also increases the risk of impactful thunderstorms. The focus area for Saturday’s forecast has become more defined, allowing for the issuance of a “Very Low Likelihood” Yellow Thunderstorm Warning. While not everyone within the warning area will experience heavy showers, some may encounter torrential downpours and thunder, with rainfall rates of 30-40mm per hour. Areas affected by multiple showers could even witness over 60mm of rainfall within the warning period.
Night-Time Temperatures and Storm Oscar
In addition to the thunderstorm risks, the warmer air mass will result in relatively high night-time temperatures, with temperatures often staying in the mid-teens Celsius for some areas. It’s worth noting that Storm Oscar, named by the Spanish Meteorological Service (AEMET), will not impact the UK directly. However, it will contribute to driving the warm air plume into southern regions, amplifying the risk of thunderstorms.
Weekend Weather Forecast
Today, low cloud cover is expected to gradually recede from northern and eastern areas, while ample sunshine will dominate elsewhere. Southwest England may encounter a few heavy showers, but overall, it will feel warm in the sunshine. The risk of isolated showers will persist in southwest England, while the rest of the country will remain dry. Overnight, low cloud cover may spread inland from the North Sea.
Saturday will start with morning clouds gradually clearing to reveal plenty of sunny spells. The weather will turn increasingly hot and humid, leading to thundery showers in the afternoon. Localized flooding is possible in some areas.
Looking ahead to Sunday and Tuesday, hot and humid conditions will persist, accompanied by abundant sunshine. There will continue to be a risk of heavy and thundery showers, and nights will remain warm and humid.
Conclusion:
As the weekend approaches, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across various parts of the UK. The arrival of warm air will elevate the chances of widespread showers accompanied by thunder and lightning. It is essential for individuals to stay updated with the latest forecast and be prepared for potential travel disruptions and localized flooding. While the thunderstorm risks exist, the weekend will also bring hot and humid conditions, offering ample opportunities to enjoy sunny spells.