The Met Office has issued a forecast indicating that parts of the UK will experience hail and thunder on Wednesday, following the conclusion of the latest heatwave. The warning comes as amber and yellow heat health alerts remain in effect across much of England until 9am Wednesday, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C in some regions.
Rain and Storms Expected
Low pressure systems that recently brought rainfall to Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England will continue to produce scattered showers and thunderstorms on Tuesday and into Wednesday. While this precipitation will not be sufficient to alleviate the ongoing drought, there is a possibility of strong winds and hail in certain areas. Heavy downpours could also lead to flash flooding, as scorched ground may cause significant water runoff.
Met Office Forecast Details
The Met Office's forecast for Wednesday states: "Showers or longer spells of rain will continue across northern areas, with a risk of hail and thunder. Sunny spells elsewhere. Windy in the north, with temperatures nearer normal." For Thursday to Saturday, the outlook predicts: "Temperatures are expected to decrease gradually in the second half of the week. A mixed few days to come, with sunny spells and scattered showers expected each day. Staying rather breezy, with a much cooler feel compared to of late."
Driest July on Record
This weather follows the driest July in England and Wales since records began. Forecasters noted that parts of southern England may still see no rain. Hail is most common in summer months as it develops inside towering cumulonimbus clouds, often spawned by intense heat at ground level.
Affected Areas
The areas with the strongest rainfall, which could possibly reach 16 mm/h, include: from North Wales to Barrow-in-Furness, northwards to Kendal, north-west into Moffat, Lauder and surrounding areas, south to Edinburgh, north-east towards Biggar, around Oban, between Loch Rannoch and Dalwhinnie, across the Highlands between Fort Augustus and Aberlour, and west of Aberdeen.
