The Met Office has issued new yellow thunderstorm warnings across 34 UK regions, marking an abrupt end to Britain's summer heatwave. The alert places millions of households on high alert for flooding, lightning and potential power cuts.
The warning comes into force from 7pm on Wednesday and will remain in place until 10am on Thursday. Forecasters said intense downpours could see between 15 to 20 mm of rain falling in just one hour in some areas, with up to 30 to 50 mm accumulating over a six-hour period.
Met Office warning details
The Met Office warning states: "Heavy showers will develop this evening, becoming more frequent and widespread overnight. These accumulations may lead to a few places seeing some flooding."
It adds: "Alongside the rain, some showers are likely to be thundery, bringing the additional hazards of lightning and hail. The showers will ease from the northwest Thursday morning."
Experts have warned that short-term power outages are possible across the impacted regions, while damage to buildings and structures from lightning strikes is probable, reports the Express. Homes and businesses face the threat of fast-moving floodwater, while commuters have been told to expect travel chaos as spray, standing water and hail hit the roads. Train delays and extended journey times are also expected.
Thursday forecast and drought context
Looking ahead to Thursday, the Met Office added: "It will be another day of sunshine and showers. The focus for the heaviest showers will transfer south to England and Wales. Thunder possible. Feeling cool in the northerly breeze."
Despite the threat of severe weather, the heavy downpours will come as welcome news for many after weeks of scorching temperatures left the nation parched. Satellite images captured by EU satellite cameras have revealed the true scale of the drought, showing vast swathes of yellow and brown land across the UK. In London, iconic spots like Hyde Park appear almost entirely scorched in stark contrast to last year's lush green landscapes. The extreme dry spell has seen drought declared across 71 per cent of England, with no region remaining at "normal" status.
Regions affected by the yellow warning
The following regions and local authorities are affected by the yellow warnings:
East Midlands: Derbyshire
North East England: Darlington, Durham, Gateshead, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Redcar and Cleveland, South Tyneside, Stockton-on-Tees, Sunderland
North West England: Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Halton, Lancashire, Merseyside, Warrington
Wales: Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Wrexham
Yorkshire & Humber: East Riding of Yorkshire, North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, York
