August 1st 2024.
Today, many areas across the UK will not be spared from the upcoming storms. After experiencing some of the hottest days of the year, the weather is about to take a drastic turn. Just yesterday, Tuesday, was the warmest day so far, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C. People took advantage of the heat and flocked outdoors to swim and sunbathe, while heat alerts were put in place to ensure everyone's safety. But now, the heat wave is coming to an end for many, as thunderstorms are expected to hit with full force, bringing heavy rainfall and even flooding in some areas.
The government has already issued flood alerts for parts of Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, as well as London and the South East. These areas are at risk of surface water flooding and potential travel disruptions. The Met Office has also issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for most of England and Wales, excluding the far South West and North West regions. This warning will be in effect all day.
According to deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley, the central, southern, and South East areas of England will experience the most intense impacts from the thunderstorms. He also mentioned that these areas may witness torrential downpours, large hail, and frequent lightning. The next 36 hours are crucial, as there is a high possibility of severe thunderstorms on Thursday. These storms could bring localized flooding and other hazards. However, due to the unpredictable nature of these storms, some areas may remain dry.
The Met Office has also shared a picture on Twitter, showing the expected areas of thunderstorms in the next 36 hours. As seen in the picture, some areas may experience severe thunderstorms, while others may not be affected at all. This goes to show the unpredictable nature of these storms.
As the storms approach, it's best to prepare for the worst. The Met Office has warned that some areas could see 50-100mm of rainfall in just a few hours. This could lead to flash floods and other hazardous conditions. As a precaution, more weather warnings may be issued at short notice as the storms develop.
On Tuesday, the hottest areas in the UK were Kew Gardens and Heathrow, both reaching 32°C. However, the weather has been quite inconsistent this week. On Tuesday night, some areas were experiencing tropical temperatures, while others were barely above zero. For example, the Isle of Portland in Dorset had a temperature of 19.9°C, while Tulloch Bridge in Scotland was only 1.7°C.
According to Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon, when the final temperatures are calculated, most of the south of England will have experienced a heatwave. Along with the change in weather today, there has also been a significant difference in how the UK has been experiencing the weather this week. Some areas were experiencing tropical temperatures, while others were experiencing cooler temperatures. Claydon mentioned that those in the south would have been quite uncomfortable due to high temperatures and humidity. He also added that the temperatures were so high that they were close to reaching a "tropical night," where temperatures do not fall below 20°C.
However, there is some good news. A weather front is approaching from the northwest on Friday, which will bring a much-needed relief from the heat. The fresher air will mark the end of the heatwave, and lower temperatures are expected by the weekend. So, stay safe and stay tuned for further updates from the Met Office.
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