Thunderstorm Warnings Issued Amidst Widespread Drought Conditions
Heavy rainfall, potential flooding, and travel disruption expected across much of England and Wales on Wednesday.
Callum Smith
Thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the country for Wednesday.
Up to 30mm of rain could fall in less than an hour; some areas may see 50mm in two to three hours, triggering widespread surface water flooding.
Regions affected span the West and East Midlands, the North West, South East, South West, East of England, and parts of Wales.
Potential consequences include surface water flooding, frequent lightning, large hail, and power cuts.
The Met Office indicated that The Met Office warns of significant flooding and disruption; homes and businesses face rapid inundation.
Damage to buildings from flooding, lightning strikes, or hail remains a distinct possibility. Hail measuring around 1-2cm is expected during these thunderstorms, alongside frequent lightning.
Travel disruption looms large, impacting bus and train services with potential delays and cancellations.
Spray and sudden flooding will create difficult driving conditions and necessitate road closures, the Met Office states.
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, delays and some cancellations to train and bus services are expected, according to the Met Office.
By July 15th this year, the UK had reportedly recorded more days above 30C than in the entirety of 1976.
Temperatures are predicted to climb further, as warmer air moves in, pushing readings to 26C.
An El Niño event is forecast to bring more storms and rain to Britain this autumn and winter.