Thunderstorm Warnings Issued Across UK Amid Major Outdoor Events
Met Office forecasts heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds, impacting festivals and sporting events, with potential for localised flooding.
Carla Rooney
The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Sunday temperatures were forecast to reach highs of 23C in Norwich and 22C in London. The Met Office claimed some places could see 15-25 mm of rain in an hour, with 30 mm in two to three hours, alongside hail and lightning.
These conditions are expected to cause flooding and disrupt travel and outdoor events over the bank holiday weekend. Heavy showers, thunderstorms, and possible hail specifically threaten transport, infrastructure, and outdoor activities.
As of Sunday afternoon, seven areas are under Environment Agency flood alerts. The agency claims rising water levels may lead to flash flooding in low-lying land and roads near rivers; coastal car parks are also potentially impacted.
The Reading Festival and cricket at Lord's in London were affected by rain over the weekend. Tens of thousands are reportedly attending the Reading and Leeds Festival this weekend.
The Notting Hill Carnival is also taking place in London this weekend, with an expected attendance of two million people. Eldougy on TikTok claimed that carrying all the gear to camp was not acceptable.
The UK has experienced five widespread heatwaves so far in 2026, coinciding with dry conditions. Following what was reportedly one of the driest summers to date, several days of rain and strong winds were forecast for the long weekend.
The ground becoming harder and drier due to heatwaves is reportedly leading to increased flood risks. Heavy rainfall could lead to localised flooding of travel disruptions, roads, and properties in cities, the Met Office claims.
Sunday began with a strong breeze in the south, bringing heavy showers and possible thunderstorms across the UK throughout the day. The Met Office had forecast up to 95 per cent rain coverage in London, Manchester, and Cardiff on Saturday.
London was expected to see light rain in the early afternoon, while Manchester and Cardiff could see heavy rain for most of the day. Cardiff could also see a sunnier afternoon on Monday after morning downpours, though more rain is forecast in Manchester and Scotland.
Conditions are expected to improve on Bank Holiday Monday, bringing a fine and largely dry afternoon following the weekend's rain disruptions. The capital and parts of the South will reportedly enjoy highs of 22C and sunshine on Monday.