Met Office Issues Thunderstorm Warning Amid Heatwave
The Met Office has issued a new thunderstorm warning for Greater Manchester and much of England and Wales as the region experiences a record-breaking heatwave. The 10-hour yellow warning will come into force at 12am on Friday and last until 10am, with forecasters warning of disruption from thunder, lightning, and heavy rain.
Warning Details and Timing
The warning covers all of Greater Manchester, the North West, East Midlands, parts of London and the South East, the North East, South West England, Wales, the West Midlands, and parts of Yorkshire and the Humber. A separate yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued for much of Scotland, effective from 12am on Friday until 11:59pm.
Potential Impacts
The Met Office has warned of a 'slight chance' of power cuts and a 'small chance' of flooding to homes and businesses. Thunderstorms may also lead to travel disruption. The forecaster stated: "Many areas are missing the worst, but thunderstorms could bring disruption in places during Thursday night and into Friday morning."
Record-Breaking Heatwave
The thunderstorm warning comes as a 'heat dome' over Europe brings extremely hot and humid conditions to the UK. Provisional figures show temperatures reached 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, on Wednesday, breaking the previous June record of 35.6C set in 1976 and 1957. The Met Office said it is possible the figure could be 'beaten again' as the heatwave continues through Friday.
