The Met Office has warned Brits to expect thunderstorms across huge swathes of the country before experts predict a weekend scorcher.
In a severe weather warning issued earlier Brits have been warned of a six-hour thunderstorm set to lash the UK on Friday by the Met Office. After a brief respite from the rain showers that have hit the country throughout July and early August, there have been blue skies and sunshine in some areas during midweek. But for Friday the unsettled conditions are set to return.
Up to 40mm of rain could fall in parts of the UK - usually in a typical August, 63mm of rain can fall across the south-east of England in the entire month.
The south coast, south east, midlands, south west and areas Wales are all on high alert for heavy rains, thunder and lightning which will run from 6am until midday. And there is also a separate warning for strong winds set to batter the north and west of Wales.
The Met Office said: "A line of thunderstorms are expected to develop during Friday morning and move gradually northeast before weakening into the afternoon. Whilst most places will only see a short period of heavy rain, a few places may see 30-40 mm of rain in less than 2 hours. In addition to heavy rain, some thunderstorms may produce frequent lightning."
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Weather warnings have been issued (Met Office)The forecaster said those in the affected region should expect an impact on driving conditions leading to longer journey times as well as a risk of flooding homes and businesses. There may also be damage to buildings from lightning strikes and a loss of power.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Steven Keates said: “The main event arrives during Friday evening, with the potential for intense thunderstorms to break out over parts of England, bringing a lot of rain in a short period of time, along with the risk of hail and frequent lightning.
"At the same time heavy rain, initially arriving into the southwest, will fairly steadily move northeast, potentially bringing some substantial rainfall totals to parts of Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland in particular.”
But despite the stormy conditions it is still expected to stay warm over the coming days towards the weekend and a heat health alert has been issued across southern and central England. The UK Health Security Agency has said that vulnerable people need to take care.
UK weather forecast
Today:
Bands of heavy and thundery rain will push northeastwards throughout today. Dry, bright and feeling warm either side of this. Further heavy rain moving into the southwest later. Increasingly windy.
Tonight:
Remaining cloudy and rather windy tonight as outbreaks of heavy rain and thunderstorms push northeast. Turning drier from the southwest by dawn. Feeling very humid.
Saturday:
A rather cloudy and blustery start with outbreaks of heavy rain continuing northeastwards. Sunshine and showers continuing in the northwest, becoming drier and brighter for many though. Feeling warm.
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