Britons are being urged to prepare for heavy rain, thunderstorms and difficult travel conditions after the Met Office warned some areas could see torrential downpours, hail and strong gusty winds. In its latest outlook for Tuesday, the forecaster said: “Outbreaks of heavy rain in the north with the risk of thunder. Scattered showers in the south with the odd thunderstorm. Very warm and humid. Windy in the north.”
A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for all six counties of Northern Ireland from 12pm until 9pm on Tuesday, with the Met Office also warning heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of England and Wales. Forecasters said: “Showers will develop Tuesday morning, becoming heavy and locally thundery into the afternoon… bringing 20-30mm of rain in an hour or two. Strong and gusty winds and hail will also be possible with the heaviest showers.” The warning says a few homes and businesses could be flooded, while spray, standing water and hail may make driving hazardous. Delays to train services, lightning damage and short-term power cuts are also possible.
Forecast maps show rain spreading into western Scotland, Northern Ireland, northwest England and Wales early on Tuesday before becoming more widespread across Scotland and northern England by midday.
The forecaster urged people to consider whether they are at risk of flash flooding and prepare accordingly.
It also advised anyone who hears thunder while outdoors to seek shelter in a safe enclosed building or vehicle and avoid standing near trees because of the risk of lightning strikes.
Much of southern England is expected to remain largely dry, although scattered showers and the odd thunderstorm could develop later in the day.
By the evening, the heaviest rain is forecast to persist across parts of Scotland, while showers linger across Northern Ireland and northern England before gradually easing from the west overnight.
The Met Office added: “Showers should slowly ease from the west into the evening.”
-Isolated parts of southern England (scattered showers and thunderstorms)