Storms are heading for Wales, Met Office says
SEVERE thunderstorms are heading for Wales, with the Met Office warning of flash flooding, lightning strikes and large hailstones.
Temperatures topped 30C in many parts of Wales and England at the start of the weekend and the hot, humid weather is due to linger into this week, bringing storms.
Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “[There is] the potential for downpours of up to 80mm in just a few hours.”
According to the Met Office: “This exceptional spell of hot weather is likely to continue for many days to come, with temperatures exceeding 30C across central, southern and southeastern areas.”
Heatwaves are extreme weather events, but research shows climate change is making these events more likely.
A study by the Met Office into the 2018 summer heatwave showed it was 30 times more likely to occur now than in 1750, due to the higher concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
As greenhouse gas concentrations increase, heatwaves of similar intensity are projected to become even more frequent, perhaps occurring as regularly as every other year.
BBC meteorologist Derek Brockway said Saturday was “hot and humid” in Cardiff and Usk, with temperatures reaching 29C.
Mr Harris added: “While the extreme heat is likely to decline gradually through the next week, we are also expecting the risk of thunderstorms to increase.”
Some areas are likely to see “severe” thunderstorms early this week, although there is uncertainty about exactly when and where.
Mr Harris explained: “Although the ingredients are there, it is just too early to pinpoint the details of exactly where and when thunderstorms will occur.
“As such, we will be monitoring the developing signals closely and I urge people to keep a close eye on Met Office warnings and forecasts over the coming days.”
A yellow warning for thunderstorms, which currently covers the whole of Britain, will come into force just after midnight today and last until midnight on Wednesday.
The national weather service warns there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes and large hail.
It advises there could be delays and some cancellations on public transport in areas affected by flooding and lightning strikes.
Motorists are warned spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions. People are advised to take care around deep or fast-flowing floodwater, which can be dangerous. Power cuts may also occur.
Showers were expected in Wales last night, with thundery showers due to start this morning, mixed with some sunny spells.
The showers are likely to ease off in the west later in the day, bringing some hazy sunshine. Temperatures are forecast to reach 27C in Wales today.
Thunderstorms are predicted from tomorrow to Thursday, mixed with some clearer and sunny spells. Forecasters say it will stay warm and humid both in the day and at night.