The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms set to hit London and the South East of England, bringing heavy rain and potential disruption.
Forecasters predict intense downpours, lightning, and hail, with the warning in place from midday until late evening. The sudden deluge could lead to flash flooding, transport delays, and power cuts in some areas.
What to Expect
Residents in affected regions should prepare for:
- Torrential rain with up to 30mm falling in just an hour
- Frequent lightning strikes posing a safety risk
- Possible hail and strong gusty winds
- Difficult driving conditions due to spray and sudden flooding
Areas at Risk
The warning covers:
- Greater London
- Kent
- Surrey
- East and West Sussex
- Parts of Hampshire
The Met Office advises people to consider delaying journeys if heavy rain sets in and to avoid travelling through floodwater.
Why This Matters
These storms come after a period of warm weather, with the clash of air masses creating perfect conditions for intense thunderstorms. Climate scientists note that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent in the UK.
Emergency services are on standby, and transport operators are warning passengers to check before they travel as some services may be affected.
