
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for potential thunderstorms in England on Thursday (01/08).
Thunder is forecast at the end of a recent heatwave in southern England, with temperatures rising above 25 degrees Celsius in the region over the last few days.
This heatwave is however forecast to run into a thundery patch, with expectations that storms could be seen on Wednesday evening but are likelier to fall on Thursday.
As of 08:20am on Wednesday 31st July, Milton Keynes is forecast potential rain between 1pm and 7pm on Thursday, with the highest risk of rain falling being between 2pm and 5pm.
A risk of rain on Wednesday was initially forecast in some weather forecasts, but current forecasts suggest it’ll remain dry.
Under a yellow weather warning, Met Office advice is that spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, and where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus service.
Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost in some extreme circumstances.
In very extreme circumstances, flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds, while fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.
In a statement, the Met Office’s Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said, “While there is often some uncertainty during thundery breakdowns, we’re monitoring several areas that could see some thunderstorms on Wednesday, but more especially Thursday. There is a small chance in parts of south and southeast England as early as Wednesday, perhaps more likely on Wednesday night, with other areas of heavy and locally thundery rain developing across portions of Wales, the Midlands and northern England later on Wednesday night and into Thursday morning.
“In addition, scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms may break out on Thursday afternoon and evening across parts of central, southern and eastern England, along with perhaps south Wales, which may produce gusty winds, large hail and the risk of surface water flooding. The heaviest downpours could produce in excess of 25mm of rain in less than an hour, with disruption possible in some areas. This is an evolving story, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest forecast during the next couple of days.”