The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across much of the UK, including Wales. The 19-hour warning is in effect from 3am on Wednesday, August 26 until 10pm, with another warning following on Thursday from 6am.
The forecaster has warned of heavy downpours, lightning strikes and a risk of flooding in 19 areas in Wales across the two days, with more areas affected on Thursday.
Warning covers 59 local authorities
The warning covers 59 local authorities, with the forecaster saying there is “a small risk of flooding and disruption from thunderstorms on Wednesday”. Weather maps show a deep blue colour across a large swathe of England and Wales as residents are urged to prepare for disruption and possible power cuts.
Due to the likely downpours, the Met Office has urged people to ensure they are prepared for flooding, with emergency kits including essential items. Because of the chance of power cuts, precautions are advised, such as locating torches and battery packs in case of a lack of power.
Met Office warning on floods and travel
The Met Office warned: “Homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes or hail. Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services”.
Ahead of potential lightning strikes, the Met Office says: “If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not 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.”
Areas in Wales under yellow weather warnings
The 19 areas in Wales with yellow weather warnings are: Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and Wrexham.
Despite the heavy rain, temperatures are expected to remain high in the following days. The forecast for Wednesday says: “Showers drift northwards through the morning, turning drier for a time in the afternoon. Some more isolated, heavy or thundery, showers may return midafternoon. Warmer than Tuesday. Maximum temperature 27C.” For the rest of the week, the forecaster anticipates “spells of heavy rain, some thunderstorms and strong winds.”
