Three UK areas are forecast to experience thunderstorms on Saturday, with up to 100mm of rain expected in the worst-hit areas over the weekend. The Met Office has warned that an Atlantic trough will interact with a weakening frontal system, bringing a heavy band of rain across the country.
Areas at risk of thunderstorms
Heavy downpours, with a chance of thunder, are expected across parts of southwest England, Wales and the West Midlands ahead of the rain band. The forecaster says that on Saturday the rain will reach the northwest first before spreading across Scotland and Northern Ireland during Sunday.
Northern Ireland and western Scotland could see up to 100mm of rain from late Saturday into Sunday, with some areas facing prolonged periods of heavy rainfall.
Safety advice during thunderstorms
The Met Office advises Brits to be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, avoid using the landline unless in an emergency, and if outside, to avoid using the landline unless in an emergency. Those caught driving in a thunderstorm should wind up the windows and stay inside their car.
Wet and windy weather next week
The Met Office adds that there are emerging signals for "increasingly wet and windy weather next week." A shift in the jet stream is expected to drive the development of areas of low pressure early next week. The UK could see a spell of wet and windy weather from late Monday into Tuesday, with western areas likely to see the brunt of heavy downpours and strong winds. Eastern parts may escape the worst of the weather, with drier conditions likely.
This period of wet and windy weather could also extend into Wednesday, with the chance of some coastal impacts in the west and southwest.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Dan Holley said: "While details are naturally uncertain at this range, a particularly deep area of low pressure could pass close to the UK during the first half of next week.
"This may bring some wet and windy weather for some, which coupled with high spring tides could bring impacts to some coastal areas in the west."
