It’s best to make the most of the UK’s heatwave while it lasts, as it’s set to give way to thunderstorms and a risk of flooding later this week.
Temperatures are expected to reach up to 32C in London today, likely to be the hottest day of the year, according to the Met Office weather forecast.
But the hot, humid weather is just a prelude to a potentially violent storm, prompting the Met Office to issue a yellow alert for most of England and parts of Wales.
“Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out in parts of England and Wales on Thursday afternoon,” the forecaster said.
“The exact location of the showers is still uncertain and some places will remain dry throughout the day.
“However, where downpours occur they may be torrential, with additional risks of lightning, hail and strong winds.”
With heavier downpours potentially bringing rainfall of 20-30mm per hour, there is a risk of flash flooding creating hazardous driving conditions.
This may lead to road closures and disruption to transport due to delays and cancellations of train and bus services.
The Met Office said: “There is a low likelihood of homes and businesses being rapidly flooded, with damage to some buildings caused by flood water, lightning, hail or high winds.
“There is a low risk of rapid or deep flooding endangering life.”
The warning follows yellow heat warnings issued for all of England, except the North East and North West, until Wednesday.
Temperatures could be up to five degrees warmer than normal for this time of year.
Maximum temperatures of 30°C in Southampton, 28°C in Devon, 27°C in South Wales, 26°C in North Yorkshire and 27°C across most of the Midlands are expected today.
Such high temperatures could have “significant impacts” on the NHS and social care, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Contact our press team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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