As the warm weather in the UK comes to an abrupt halt, the Met Office has issued yellow Thunderstorm warnings for Friday and Saturday. This serves as a stark reminder that autumn is just around the corner. With potential lightning, heavy downpours, and the risk of local flooding, southern England and Wales are in for a dramatic shift in weather conditions.
From Warm Sunshine to Sudden Storms
The past week has been a delight for many, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-20s Celsius. Northern Scotland even enjoyed a late-September high of 25°C, the warmest in the region since 2019. But as the weekend approaches, the weather is set to change. Thunderstorms are forecast for Friday afternoon, primarily affecting southern England and Wales, with scattered heavy showers, gusty winds, and even hail in some areas.
Rain, Hail, and Possible Flooding
Some regions could see as much as 50mm (2 inches) of rain, potentially causing flash floods and transportation disruptions. Though thunderstorms will be hit-or-miss, areas affected can expect challenging driving conditions due to standing water, hail, and reduced visibility.
Saturday Brings More Storms
After Friday’s storms subside, a new wave of thunderstorms is expected early Saturday, moving across England and Wales throughout the day. While some areas may escape the storms entirely, others could face significant rainfall and gusty conditions.
Mixed Weekend Ahead
Despite the stormy forecasts for southern England and Wales, northern parts of the UK, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, will experience a much calmer and sunnier weekend. Pleasant temperatures and clear skies will allow for an enjoyable end to the week, though the cooler autumn air is not far behind.
What’s Next: Cooler Air on the Horizon
Looking ahead to next week, prepare for a wardrobe change. Cooler air is set to move in as the winds shift from the north, bringing daytime temperatures down to as low as 12°C in Scotland and 16°C along the southern coast of England. The risk of gales and even colder northerly winds increases later in the week, marking a clear transition to autumn.
With the autumn equinox approaching on 22 September, it seems the summer heat is bidding us farewell right on time. However, history shows that we may still see the occasional warm spell in October, so it’s not entirely time to pack away the summer clothes just yet.
For the latest updates, stay tuned to the monthly weather outlook to see how the season continues to unfold.