Yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms are in force for Wednesday and Thursday, with the Met Office urging people in affected areas to avoid standing under trees. The warnings cover local authorities across the East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire & the Humber.
The first warning comes into effect at 3am on Wednesday, August 26, and remains in place until 10pm that day. The second covers the same regions from 6am on Thursday, August 27, until 10pm the same day.
Flood and power cut risks
For Thursday, the Met Office warns of a "small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life", as well as some communities becoming cut off by flooded roads. Both warnings note a "slight chance" of power cuts affecting homes and businesses, along with the risk of flooding, difficult driving conditions, and travel disruption from flooding or lightning strikes.
The national weather service has published five tips for staying safe in a thunderstorm. It advises checking for loose items outside the home, including bins, plant pots, garden furniture, trampolines, and sheds, and securing them against high winds. It also warns against going outside to repair damage during the storm.
Shelter advice from the Met Office
"Being outside in lightning can be very dangerous, avoid harm by staying indoors as much as possible," the Met Office warns. "If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter, such as a car." It says not to shelter "under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning".
"If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground. If you are looking for shelter, keep away from underground or low-lying spaces such as car parks, basements or underpasses which might flood rapidly." The tips also cover staying safe in flood conditions, driving during thunderstorms if unavoidable, and preparing for power cuts.
Forecast for the coming days
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington said: "As we move into Wednesday there is a growing risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with warm and humid air helping to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms. Some places could see significant amounts of rain falling in a short period of time, bringing the potential for localised flooding, travel disruption and frequent lightning."
"On Thursday, slow-moving heavy and thundery rain may bring prolonged rainfall to some areas, increasing the risk of localised impacts. There remains some uncertainty around where the heaviest rain will fall, so it is important to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings."
The Met Office says unsettled conditions may continue into Friday and the weekend, with further showers or longer spells of rain possible at times, alongside drier and brighter periods. It advises people in affected areas to stay up to date with warnings, which can change quickly, and notes a detailed breakdown of local authorities affected is available on its website.
