Met Office issues yellow thunder warning after 23C scorcher – but temperatures still set to climb
THE UK is set for a battering of thunderstorms, hail, and flooding after temperatures soared to 23C.
The heavy showers are expected to start in the far north and southwest of the country, despite months of record-breaking sunshine.
The Met Office has issued a warning for the East Midlands, East, South East, North West, South West, West Midlands and Wales.
Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey warned the rain coverage could turn to hail and lightning through Sunday.
The heavy showers will mainly affect the West Country, South Wales and parts of the West Midlands.
Meanwhile, temperatures are expected to reach highs of 25C to 26C, which is about 8C above average for the time of year, Mr Vautrey said.
There could be “heavy, short sharp” bursts of rain and hail and lightning, he said, adding: “As is the case with thunderstorms, they’re often quite hit and miss.
“Obviously, it has been a pretty dry spring so for many areas rain is needed, but because of the heavy nature of these showers, splashing onto hard surfaces, there is the potential for minor localised issues and flooding.”
Between 20mm and 30mm of rain could fall within a couple of hours, or as much as 40mm in three hours, the forecaster said.
Motorists have been urged to take care when driving and be aware the thunderstorms “could come on at very short notice”, Mr Vautrey added.
Showers are also expected in Northern Ireland and Scotland on Sunday and Monday.
The wet weather could also continue on Monday in southern and western areas of the UK, and the Met Office is monitoring for any further warnings.
From Tuesday, the high pressure will rebuild and dry conditions and sunshine will return across the country, with temperatures in the low to mid 20.
According to the Environment Agency, due to the sunny start of May it has been the driest start to spring in 69 years.
The dry spell has forced farmers to start irrigating crops earlier, especially in the North East and North West of England.
The Met Office clocked an average of 228.9 hours of sunshine across the UK in April.
These figures mean it was the sunniest since records started in 1910.
And the unusually warm April followed the sunniest March.