Risk of thunderstorms and sudden floods set to end UK heatwave

The record high heats won't last for long.

You’d better make the most of the UK’s heatwave while it lasts, because it’s set to give way to thunderstorms with a risk of flooding later this week.

Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 32°C in London today, possibly the hottest day this year, according to Met Office weather forecasts.

But these humid high heats are just a prelude to a potentially severe thunderstorm, prompting the Met Office to declare a yellow alert across most of England and parts of Wales.

‘Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out across parts of England and Wales on Thursday afternoon’, the forecaster said.

‘The exact location of showers is still uncertain and some places will stay dry all day.

‘However, where the showers do occur they could be torrential, with the additional hazards of lightning, hail and gusty winds.’

With the heaviest showers possibly resulting in rainfall of 20 to 30mm in an hour, there is a risk of sudden flooding creating dangerous driving conditions.

This may cause road closures and disrupt transport through the delay and cancellation of train and bus services.

The Met Office said: ‘There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

‘There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.’

It follows the yellow heat warnings issued for all of England except the North East and North West until Wednesday.

Temperatures could be up to five degrees warmer than what’s normal for this time of year.

Highs of 30°C in Southampton, 28°C in Devon, 27°C in south Wales, 26°C in North Yorkshire and 27°C around most of the Midlands are expected today.

Such hot weather could have ‘significant impacts’ on the NHS and social care, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) says.

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