More thunderstorms and 30°C temperatures forecast after hottest day of the year
Thunderstorms and 30°C temperatures are incoming after the UK was struck by flooding on the hottest day of the year on Saturday.
The thunderstorms, which are set to feature heavy rain, hail, strong gusts of winds and lightning, are likely to develop on Sunday afternoon, the Met Office said.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in place from midday to 9 pm on Sunday for Wales, Northern Ireland and most of western and central England and Scotland.
The Met Office said some areas covered by the warning will remain dry, or see only small amounts of rain, due to the scattered nature of the heaviest showers.
In some places it is possible between 30-40mm of rain could fall in an hour.
There is a small risk that homes and businesses in areas where the yellow weather warning is in place could be flooded quickly, and a chance some buildings could be damaged from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
Train and bus services may also be delayed by the weather conditions.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: “Sunday will see 30°C again in parts of southern UK and the risk of thunderstorms also spreads more widely across the UK – particularly western and central areas – with heavy downpours again brining the risk of thunder, hail and gusty winds.”
More hot weather is expected next week, with temperatures likely to remain above average and thunder and showers predicted for Monday. By Tuesday onwards conditions are likely to settle.
Tips for staying cool indoors during the hot weather
The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office have issued advice on how to keep cool and safe indoors during the hot weather.
Here are some top tips:
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration
- Turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use and consider cooking at cooler times of the day
- Sleep in a cooler part of the house, if possible
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert until 9am on Tuesday 13 June in the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, South East and South West.
It indicates the impact of the weather is likely to be felt across the whole health service and the wider population, not just the most vulnerable.
A yellow heat-health alert is also in place for the North East, North West and Yorkshire and Humber regions of England, as well as London.
On Saturday evening, heavy rain and hail fell across the North West.
In other areas of the country, temperatures soared, reaching 32.2°C in Chertsey, Surrey.
In central London, temperatures were so hot that at least three soldiers who took part in a military ceremony on Saturday fainted in the heat.
The Prince of Wales praised the troops who collapsed during the Colonel’s Review at Horse Guards Parade.
William thanked all the soldiers who took part in the ceremony and said they did a “really good job” in difficult conditions.
