Storms put dampener on 27.2C scorcher
SUNSEEKERS made the most of the hottest weather of the year so far before “danger to life” thunderstorms put a big dampener on spirits.
Families flocked to parks and beaches to soak up the balmy conditions yesterday after a warm Saturday also saw a steady flow of visitors to the nation’s beauty spots.
Chertsey in Surrey topped the mercury chart at 27.2C (80.9F), delighting those longing for spring to spark into life after prolonged wet weather in recent weeks.
But the Met Office has issued three “danger to life” yellow thunderstorm warnings for most of Wales, parts of the South West and North West, Northern Ireland and in Scotland.
The first storms were forecast to spark downpours in parts of South Wales and western England last night. Parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland were also expected to get a dousing. The heavy showers were expected to cause difficult driving conditions, power cuts and flooding. The Met Office warned: “Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.
“Fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life.” But it was all so different earlier in the weekend – with stunning sunshine and blue skies by day and the fantastical multi-coloured phenomenon of the Northern Lights across the UK on Friday night and in some areas on Saturday.
The golden sands of Bournemouth in Dorset were a popular choice for a deckchair pitch and a paddle, although it was not as packed as county neighbour Lyme Regis where one swimmer showed off his diving skills. London’s parks were also busy
but there was still scope to find a spot to relax in Wimbledon or on a stroll in a field of buttercups in Eton, Berkshire.
Walkers made the most of the weather and room to manoeuvre on the broad expanses of the beach on the Wirral in Merseyside, with wind turbines on the horizon.
But there was tragedy at a charity cycle ride in Wales. Train driver
Michael Gronow, 51, of Cardiff, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest 60 miles into the Carten100 – a 100-mile ride from Cardiff to Tenby in Pembrokeshire – as temperatures hit 23C (73.4F).
More than 1,800 people took part in the 20th running of the annual event.
A statement from the organisers said: “With deep sadness we can confirm the passing away of a rider in the 2024 Carten100. Michael Gronow, 51, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest leaving Johnstown.
“The emergency services were on the scene almost immediately and reacted with great speed and professionalism.
“This is a terrible tragedy for his wife, family, and friends. Everyone involved in the organisation would like to express sincere condolences. Our deepest sympathies go out to them.”
The Carten100 is not a race but aims to get “people on their bikes without the pressure of it being a ‘race’”. Most riders raise money for their chosen charity.
Meanwhile, as some were still savouring sunrays yesterday, others were battening down the hatches.
Advising residents in Scotland in a thunderstorm alert, the Met Office said: “There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.”
Yellow warnings for rain in Northern Ireland are in force from midday today until 6am tomorrow, with a yellow rain alert for South West England from 8am today until midnight.
The Met Office advised those living in areas affected by rain to prepare for disruption to public transport and the possibility of interruption to power supplies.
Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “On Monday we’re likely to see more widespread and longer-lived spells of rain, some of which will be heavy and thundery.
“This will also lead to a much cooler feel to the day.”
Weather conditions are expected to return to a more unsettled pattern heading into next week.
WHAT a difference the sunny weekend made. If only it could have stuck around for a day or two more. But no, our weather doesn’t behave like that. Thunderstorms are moving in and the temperature is set to drop. No one can accuse us of taking sunshine for granted.
Millions of us were out the door soaking it up as if we will never see it again. But we will see it again – eventually.