UK weather – latest: Lightning and thunderstorm warning as heatwave continues
A rare amber weather alert has been issued for thunderstorms
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The Met Office has warned that travel disruption and flooding are likely across parts of the UK on Monday as a rare amber weather alert is issued for thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and hail, according to the Met Office, which could cause power cuts and damage to buildings in affected areas.
The amber warning applies to parts of the east and west Midlands, and the east, southeast and southwest of England.
The warning will last until 7pm on Monday.
Forecasters said: “A cluster or line of very active thunderstorms is moving towards the northwest from Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire towards the West Midlands.
“These will bring a period of exceptionally heavy rainfall with 30-40mm falling in around 30 minutes, perhaps around 60mm in an hour for some locations.”
It comes as a yellow weather warning was issued for large parts of England including London, Oxford, Nottingham, and Manchester, with further alerts for Scotland and Northern Ireland, as thunderstorms hit the UK.
The Environment Agency also issued 14 flood alerts across the Midlands.
Thunderstorm warning today as Britons face lightning strikes and torrential downpours
Large parts of the UK face warnings for thunderstorms with lightning strikes and torrential downpours forecast on Monday.
The Met Office alerts come after scorching temperatures hit highs of 32C on Sunday, the hottest day of the year so far.
The yellow warnings cover large parts of England including London, Oxford, Nottingham, and Manchester, with further alerts for Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The warnings are in place from midday until 9pm on Monday and temperatures are again expected to be close to 30C.
“We’re expecting a fine and hot start, temperatures rising fairly quickly during the course of the morning under strong early summer sunshine and that’s likely to spark a few thundery showers,” Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud said.
Stuti Mishra reports:
Thunderstorm warning today as Britons face lightning strikes and torrential downpours
Heavy downpours and humid temperatures expected to continue in coming days, Met Office forecast says
Man City treble parade delayed due to ‘adverse weather'
The Manchester City treble parade has been delayed amid “adverse weather” conditions in the city.
Fans of the football club have lined the streets of Manchester this evening to celebrate their Champions League win in Istanbul in this weekend.
A bus parade is scheduled to take place through Manchester city centre this evening, with players expected to arrive on stage before the event finishes.
However, fans have been warned that access to the stage has been limited due to “adverse weather conditions” this evening, as Manchester sees torrential downpours and lightning storms, the club said.
According to the Manchester City website, gates for the show stage will no longer open at 5pm with access delayed until 7pm. The show had been due to start at 5.30pm.
In a statement, they said: “Trophy Parade update: Access to stage show site delayed due to reports of adverse weather conditions and lightning storms.
“This decision has been taken in the interests of safety by Manchester City Council in conjunction with the Club and other local stakeholders, who have consulted with meteorologists and the Met Office.”
In pictures: Thunderstorms and fog hit UK as heatwave continues
Pictures show cars driving through floods in Maidenhead
Roads in Maidenhead, Berkshire are flooded after thunderstorms hit parts of the UK.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning as thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rainfall, lightning, strong winds, and hail to large parts of England
Travel disruption and flooding are likely to be caused by thunderstorms in the east and west Midlands, and the east, southeast and southwest of England, the Met Office said.
UK weather forecast this week
Higher temperatures are concentrated in the North, with Manchester, Leeds, and Keswick, Cumbria, between 30C and 31C, while south-central England remains in the high 20s, with London and Cambridge both reaching between 27C and 28C.
Further thunderstorms may be possible in the first half of the week, with fresher conditions and temperatures slightly decreasing towards Thursday and Friday.
However, the sunny weather is staying with most parts of the country and forecast to remain above 24C and 25C throughout the week, and potentially reaching 29C in Bristol and Birmingham over Wednesday and Thursday.
Cooler air from the North Sea will reach parts of the UK on Thursday and Friday, particularly areas along the North Sea coast and the East of England.
Mapped: Which areas are affected by the amber weather warning?
The Met Office issued an amber weather warning for parts of the east and west Midlands, and the east, southeast and southwest of England, amid warnings of flooding.
A yellow weather warning was also issued for large parts of England including London, Oxford, Nottingham, and Manchester, with further alerts for Scotland and Northern Ireland, as thunderstorms hit the UK.
What is an amber weather warning?
The Met Office has issued an amber thunderstorm warning as parts of the UK are set to be battered by heavy rain, lightning, hail and strong winds.
The warning came into force on Monday as the forecaster said power cuts and flooding of homes, businesses and roads, as well as delays and cancellations to train and bus services, are “likely”.
Driving conditions could also become difficult and some communities could be temporarily cut off if roads flood, the Met Office added.
The warning, which covers parts of Leicester, Birmingham, Worcester, Gloucester and Oxford, will be in place until 7pm on Monday.
According to the Met Office website, an amber weather warning is issued when “there is an increased likelihood of impacts from severe weather, which could potentially disrupt your plans.
“This means there is the possibility of travel delays, road and rail closures, power cuts and the potential risk to life and property,” the Met Office said.
How to track lightning in your area as thunderstorm warning issued
Confused Brits currently sunbathing in the balmy temperatures or at the beach can now track where a thunderstorm is likely to hit and find themselves cover from the sudden weather change.
Radar Live has a thunderstorm tracker and lightning map which allows you to track storms as they move across the UK and rest of the world.
As the map below shows, areas of the country covered in colourful blobs are suffering from adverse weather such as heavy rainfall and storms.
If you click on a specific area on the map, such as London, it will give you information about the current weather and expected future forecasts and temperatures.
Joe Middleton reports:
How to track lightning in your area as thunderstorm warning issued
The Environment Agency has issued 14 flood alerts
London Fire Brigade called to several reports of flooding across London
The London Fire Brigade (LFB) was called to several reports of flooding across London on Monday afternoon.
It comes as the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for parts of the east and west Midlands, and the east, southeast and southwest of England, amid warnings of flooding.
The Met Office also warned flooding could cause power cuts in affected areas and warned some communities in the Midlands are likely to become temporarily cut off if roads flood.
In a message posted on Twitter, the LFB said: “Never drive through floodwater - a foot of moving water at just 6mph is enough to float a car. Always try and find an alternative route.”
Pictures show flooding on road in London as UK hit by thunderstorms
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