Cliff Notes
- The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms from Saturday afternoon to early Sunday, affecting parts of England and Wales, with potential travel disruptions and flooding risks.
- Current temperatures are expected to peak at around 34°C (93°F), with the potential for record-breaking heat as the UK faces an amber heat health alert.
- Fire service reports indicate a significant rise in wildfires this year, with a 717% increase compared to the previous year, prompting warnings for outdoor safety.
UK weather: Yellow warning for thunderstorms as heatwave intensifies | UK News
A yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office – as a nationwide heatwave intensifies.
The Met Office alert is in force from 3pm on Saturday until 4am on Sunday.
Forecasters said: “The most intense thunderstorms could produce frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds, along with some heavy downpours for a time.”
The warning covers parts of the East and West Midlands, North East and North West of England, Wales and Yorkshire.
Travel disruption is possible, with a “small chance” of power cuts and some communities being cut off by flooded roads.
It comes as high temperatures continue to dominate, with the UK potentially on track to break records for the warmest day of the year so far for the second day in a row.
An amber heat health alert is currently in force across England, and highs of 32.2C (90F) were recorded in Kew Gardens, west London, on Thursday.
Temperatures are forecast to widely reach the low 30s today – with 33C (91F) possible in places.