Thunderbolts and lightning to lash the Bank Holiday weekend as over an inch of rain feared in just one hour today
Thunderstorms are set to soak the Bank Holiday weekend as more than an inch of rain could hammer down in just one hour today.
Forecasters have warned that cloudy patches could give way to heavy rain across England, Scotland and Wales.
Slow-moving showers and storms, which are expected to climb northwards, will see 20-30mm of rain lash those enjoying their extended weekend.
Hail and lightning strikes may also occur, with people warned to expect possible flooding, travel delays and even power cuts.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning from midday until 8pm across much of central and northern England and the north east of Wales.
A further warning was later put in place across areas of south-west England and the Home Counties, lasting from 10am to 7pm.
Brits are warned to expect difficult driving conditions and possible flood damage to homes and businesses.
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Some areas could become cut off if roads are flooded and people are advised to be prepared in case of power cuts due to lightning.
Forecaster Kathryn Chalk said: ‘There could be some disruption, especially for people travelling or out trying to enjoy the bank holiday weekend.
‘So I’d say definitely keep an eye out on that. Some southern areas of England may also see a few heavy downpours, perhaps even the odd rumble of thunder as well.’
She added: ‘It’s just a more unsettled weather regime where the air’s unstable and with more heating in the land it helps develop a storm.’
Saturday was dry and warm and many people got out to enjoy the sunny weather while they could, as highs of 21 were seen across the UK.
But the warm weather has now come to a grinding halt with temperatures dropping to around 15C for most of the country with the southeast also cooling down to 19C.
And for many, the bad news continues after Britons were warned to prepare for congestion on what is set to be the busiest late May bank holiday weekend on the roads since the start of the pandemic.
More than 20million leisure trips by car are expected to be made between over the extended weekend, which would be the most for the late May bank holiday weekend since 2019.
Drivers leaving were advised to delay setting off until 6pm yesterday to miss the worst of the queues, while the busiest time tomorrow is expected to be 3pm until 6pm.
P&O Ferries warned of ‘long queues at border controls’ at Dover, adding: ‘If you miss your sailing, we will transfer you to the next available once at our check-in booths.’
