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HERE COME THE STORMS

A MONTH’S worth of rain set to fall in a few hours in the north…but don’t gloat southerners, it’s coming your way

Thunderstorms battering northern cities will hit London by Friday

THE southern half of the UK is basking in summer heat again today - but it won't last long with thunderstorms already battering the north set to reach the capital on Friday.

Northern England and Scotland have been hit by thunderstorms today bringing rain and even hail while southerners continue to enjoy brilliant sunshine and temperatures in excess of 30 degrees celsius.

Motorists struggle through heavy rainfall in Blackpool, Lancashire this morning as storms batter the north of the UK and Scotland
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Motorists struggle through heavy rainfall in Blackpool, Lancashire this morning as storms batter the north of the UK and ScotlandCredit: SWNS
The blistering heat of the warmest day of the year yesterday is set to make way for heavy downpours, as storm clouds gather in the north
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The blistering heat of the warmest day of the year yesterday is set to make way for heavy downpours, as storm clouds gather in the northCredit: SWNS
After the hot spell a band of thunderstorms moves into Blackpool from the Irish sea bringing torrential rain and localised flooding
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After the hot spell a band of thunderstorms moves into Blackpool from the Irish sea bringing torrential rain and localised floodingCredit: Alamy
Meanwhile in London a hazy morning made way for more sunshine as the south gets set to roast again in temperatures over 30 degrees
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Meanwhile in London a hazy morning made way for more sunshine as the south gets set to roast again in temperatures over 30 degreesCredit: London News Pictures
It was an uncomfortable night across the UK as temperatures remained in the high 20s and another warm day began on Wednesday
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It was an uncomfortable night across the UK as temperatures remained in the high 20s and another warm day began on WednesdayCredit: London News Pictures
People have been making the most of the heatwave as thunderstorms will be heading south before the week is out
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People have been making the most of the heatwave as thunderstorms will be heading south before the week is outCredit: PA:Press Association
Children get a free ride on a horse at Three Cliffs Bay, The Gower Peninsula, South Wales as the heatwave continues in the south of England and Wales
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Children get a free ride on a horse at Three Cliffs Bay, The Gower Peninsula, South Wales as the heatwave continues in the south of England and WalesCredit: SWNS
The kids said hello to a sunbathing horse at the beach on what has been another hot day in the south of the UK
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The kids said hello to a sunbathing horse at the beach on what has been another hot day in the south of the UKCredit: SWNS
Members of the public sunbathe on the beach in Brighton as humid and hazy sunshine hits the south coast
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Members of the public sunbathe on the beach in Brighton as humid and hazy sunshine hits the south coastCredit: London News Pictures Ltd
Women splash each other in the cold water of a fountain at Marble Arch in central London on Wednesday
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Women splash each other in the cold water of a fountain at Marble Arch in central London on WednesdayCredit: AP:Associated Press
PETA deliver free Vegan ice cream to London commuters during a heatwave in the city at Euston Station
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PETA deliver free Vegan ice cream to London commuters during a heatwave in the city at Euston StationCredit: Getty Images
While others enjoy the hot weather on the East beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, as heavy thunder showers have hit parts of the UK
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While others enjoy the hot weather on the East beach in Bognor Regis, West Sussex, as heavy thunder showers have hit parts of the UKCredit: PA:Press Association
Joe Crawley from Milton Keynes jumps off a pontoon into the sea at South End on Sea, Essex
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Joe Crawley from Milton Keynes jumps off a pontoon into the sea at South End on Sea, EssexCredit: PA:Press Association

Despite being in the midst of a heatwave, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for severe thunderstorms, large hail and strong winds which could lead to flash flooding of homes, businesses and transport networks.

The warning has been issued across all regions other than south-west England, London and south-east England.

Hot, moist air spreading north and north-east is expected to produce heavy thunderstorms in places like Manchester and Dumfries - with some places seeing around 30mm of rainfall in an hour, and more than 50mm in a few hours.

Lightning behind Blackpool Tower on Wednesday morning as thunderstorms hit the region after the hot weather
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Lightning behind Blackpool Tower on Wednesday morning as thunderstorms hit the region after the hot weatherCredit: GEOFF ROBINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
Lightning also struck at Croy near Inverness at around 4am this morning after temperatures rocketed in the UK yesterday
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Lightning also struck at Croy near Inverness at around 4am this morning after temperatures rocketed in the UK yesterday
Spectacular lightning strikes filled the skies of Harrington on the Cumbrian coast this morning
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Spectacular lightning strikes filled the skies of Harrington on the Cumbrian coast this morningCredit: North News and Pictures
Shoppers caught in heavy rain while walking in Newcastle today as the north has been deluged with thunderstorms
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Shoppers caught in heavy rain while walking in Newcastle today as the north has been deluged with thunderstormsCredit: North News and Pictures
Storms have struck the north and Scotland but are heading south and should hit London by Friday
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Storms have struck the north and Scotland but are heading south and should hit London by FridayCredit: North News and Pictures
A house in Walmer Bridge, near Leyland, Lancashire, was struck by lightning early this morning injuring no-one but inflicting damage on the building
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A house in Walmer Bridge, near Leyland, Lancashire, was struck by lightning early this morning injuring no-one but inflicting damage on the buildingCredit: SWNS
This billboard burst into flames on the hottest day of the year, as UK temperatures soared to 33.5C yesterday
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This billboard burst into flames on the hottest day of the year, as UK temperatures soared to 33.5C yesterdayCredit: SWNS
Around 200 commuters were evacuated from Woolwich Arsenal station, south-east London, when the blaze began at 7pm. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters rushed to the scene
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Around 200 commuters were evacuated from Woolwich Arsenal station, south-east London, when the blaze began at 7pm. Four fire engines and 21 firefighters rushed to the sceneCredit: SWNS
People drink water to stay cool while travelling on the tube in central London when temperatures hit 27C degrees across the capital
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People drink water to stay cool while travelling on the tube in central London when temperatures hit 27C degrees across the capitalCredit: London News Pictures Ltd
Yesterday Brighton Station had to be closed when it became so overcrowded some people reportedly fainted
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Yesterday Brighton Station had to be closed when it became so overcrowded some people reportedly faintedCredit: London News Pictures Ltd
A pair of ruined flip flops are seen abandoned on Warwick Road in Bishops Stortford
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A pair of ruined flip flops are seen abandoned on Warwick Road in Bishops StortfordCredit: SWNS:South West News Service
Ellie-may Flack's, 22, sandals stick to the road as she crosses Warwick Road in the Hertfordshire town
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Ellie-may Flack's, 22, sandals stick to the road as she crosses Warwick Road in the Hertfordshire townCredit: SWNS

The warning says: "Whilst most places will miss the worst, please be aware of the risk of localised flash flooding.

"Frequent lightning, large hail and strong winds could be additional hazards.

"All of this could lead to some flooding of homes, businesses and transport networks. Disruption to power is also possible."

The flooding could see further disruption caused to train services, some of which were delayed yesterday after heat-related speed restrictions were brought in.

Tuesday saw Britain swelter in temperatures which peaked at 33.5C in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, making it hotter than Barcelona.

Temperatures are expected to still remain high across the country, with the south-east of the country seeing the best of the weather with a top of 31 degrees expected.

The London Ambulance Service said it had had 300 more calls than usual on Tuesday and the RSPCA said it had also seen a spike in calls from members of the public concerned about dogs left in hot cars, conservatories, sheds and caravans.

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Dr Angie Bone, head of extreme events at Public Health England, said: "Older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children may all feel the ill-effects of heat over the coming days."

Scotland also basked in sunshine on Tuesday with temperatures in the high 20s as far north as the Highlands.

Alex Priestley, a Met Office forecaster based in Aberdeen, said the highest temperature today was 28.3C in Prestwick, Ayrshire.

"Threave in Dumfries and Galloway was 27.8C and Kinlochewe in Wester Ross was 27C," he said. "In the cities, Glasgow was 26.8C, Aberdeen was 25C and Edinburgh was 24C."

Today people in the south of England and Wales will continue to enjoy temperatures above 30 degrees while the north and Scotland will be battered by thunderstorms
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Today people in the south of England and Wales will continue to enjoy temperatures above 30 degrees while the north and Scotland will be battered by thunderstormsCredit: Solent News & Photo Agency
Thousands are likely to pour onto beaches in the south of the UK again today with highs of 31 degrees expected
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Thousands are likely to pour onto beaches in the south of the UK again today with highs of 31 degrees expectedCredit: Solent News & Photo Agency
Ralf Strode, aged six, and Shay Spires, aged five, eat watermelon to cool down on Southsea beach
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Ralf Strode, aged six, and Shay Spires, aged five, eat watermelon to cool down on Southsea beachCredit: Solent News & Photo Agency
One man wearing socks was doing a backward flip jump in to the water. Buford village, Cotswolds
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One man wearing socks was doing a backward flip jump in to the water. Buford village, Cotswolds
London will be sweltering again while in Manchester forecasters are predicting heavy rain and hail
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London will be sweltering again while in Manchester forecasters are predicting heavy rain and hailCredit: Rex Features
Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far across the UK, with London hitting highs of 33 degrees and Scotland temperatures in the high 20s
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Yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far across the UK, with London hitting highs of 33 degrees and Scotland temperatures in the high 20sCredit: London News Pictures Ltd
Santiago and Sofia McGarry (both two) enjoy the summer sun at Exmouth, Devon, while most of the country is threatened with thunderstorms and rain
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Santiago and Sofia McGarry (both two) enjoy the summer sun at Exmouth, Devon, while most of the country is threatened with thunderstorms and rainCredit: APEX

 

However, he warned Scotland to brace itself for thunder, lightning strikes on power transmitters, hail, gusty winds, flash floods, river flooding, property flooding, surface water and slippery roads, with two bands of heavy rain sweeping in on Wednesday.

He added: "We have been liaising with responder communities and Sepa (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) and they're prepared for dealing with any issues that may arise."

The heatwave further south is set to come a crashing halt by Friday however with the thunderstorms making their way towards London and the southeast as we head towards the weekend.

As the storm clouds make their way down the country forecasters are also predicting the temperature will drop to a more comfortable 26 degrees celsius - slightly above the norm for this time of year.

Alex Priestley added: "It’s not looking too bad for the south over the next couple of days, Friday is the most likely time we would see thundery showers.

Wednesday is set to be another hot one in the south of the UK, with thunderstorms not expected to travel down from the north until Friday
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Wednesday is set to be another hot one in the south of the UK, with thunderstorms not expected to travel down from the north until FridayCredit: Alamy
Londoners will be making the most of the good weather while it lasts as temperatures are set to drop to the mid 20s by the weekend
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Londoners will be making the most of the good weather while it lasts as temperatures are set to drop to the mid 20s by the weekendCredit: Fame Flynet

"Today we have heavy thundery downpours moving north and eastwards across the northern half of the UK and we’ve got a yellow warning in force because of the amount of rain and hail expected.

"The showers however should stay fairly isolated and temperatures will remain in the low 30s for much of the UK. Tomorrow won’t be too bad either, there’ll be some showers most likely towards the west but the temperatures will still be in the mid-20s with 26 the best we can expect.

"Even at the weekend when the thunderstorms will come to the south of the UK it won’t be a complete washout. It will still be fairly bright with some sunny spells between showers."

Bookmaker Paddy Power have markets on the repercussions of the summer blast, including a record number of arrests (25/1), increased seagull attacks (33/1), train and road closures (33/1).

The bookie offers odds of 12/1 that the almost insufferable heat will continue into next week while the firm offers odds of 7/1 that it will rain all weekend, and just 14/1 that it will rain EVERY day next week.

With flood risks warned against, the bookmaker prices the chances of record flood levels across the UK at 1000/1.

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