The Met Office has updated its yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain across parts of England and Wales, extending it into more of eastern and southeastern England. The alert, which originally covered much of the Midlands, the North West and Wales, came into effect at 5am and will remain active until 10pm tonight.
Travel disruption expected
People in affected regions are being told to prepare for disruption to train and bus services caused by flooding and to take extra care when driving. A Met Office spokesperson said: "A broad band of thunderstorms and heavy rain will move north across England and Wales on Thursday, perhaps becoming slow moving in the afternoon and evening. Accumulations of 20-30 mm in an hour is possible locally, while 30 to 40 mm can be expected fairly widely and up to 50 mm in a 12 hour period in places."
They added: "There is a small chance that some places may see more than 50 mm in three hours and more than 75 mm through 12 hours, especially over east facing high ground. Lightning and hail of 1-2 cm will also be hazards."
Flooding alerts and response
The Environment Agency has issued 24 flooding alerts – meaning flooding is possible – in the Midlands and South East. West Midlands Fire Service confirmed it had been called out to "significant flooding" in Birmingham overnight due to rising river levels.
"Crews are being supported by West Midlands Police and Birmingham City Council. Please avoid the area, where possible," the service said in a post on X. Birmingham City Council advised people to "take care and avoid walking, cycling or driving through flood water".
Forecast for the bank holiday weekend
Met Office forecaster Craig Snell told the Press Association: "We're watching the risk of some heavy rain and thunderstorms moving up from the south." He added: "On Thursday as we wake up there will be a band of potentially heavy rain and thundery rain stretching across parts of the UK. For parts of the Midlands and Wales it's going to be quite a wet day really. We could see some further thunderstorms move into the south east around Thursday evening."
Friday will see further heavy rain and thunderstorms across the UK, before further rain moves in on Saturday, and a mix of sunshine and showers on Sunday and Monday. Mr Snell said: "To sum up the bank holiday weekend, it's going to be pretty unsettled, there will be some sunny moments in between if you can dodge the downpours. It's not going to be a complete washout, if you've got outdoor plans over the weekend, keep a close eye as there will be rain moving in across most parts."
The yellow thunderstorm warning covers regions including the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber, with specific local authorities listed in each area.
