Lightning map live and UK thunderstorms tracker: Where are the storms today?
LIGHTNING, flooding and thunder are set to batter Britain as the heatwave triggers summer storms. The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings until Monday, with the south and Midlands due for tropical thunderstorms. Here is where they are and how to track them. Where are there thunderstorms in the UK today? The Met Office […]
LIGHTNING, flooding and thunder are set to batter Britain as the heatwave triggers summer storms.
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings until Monday, with the south and Midlands due for tropical thunderstorms. Here is where they are and how to track them.
Where are there thunderstorms in the UK today?
The Met Office has issued a yellow storm warning for almost all of England and Wales that is due to continue until Monday, August 17, at least.
Southern parts of England will be worst hit, with areas around Maidenhead and Berkshire taking a severe battering.
The weather warning means some homes and businesses could be flooded rapidly, or damaged by hail and lightning.
Storms are expected to engulf England and those thinking of driving have been warned to take the poor conditions into account when heading out.
Flooding has hit the south of England today after hours of heavy downpours, with crews seen rescuing drivers trapped in their cars in Hertfordshire.
The Met Office has warned 30 to 40mm of rain could fall in an hour in the South today, with the potential for 60 to 90mm in the space of a few hours.
More thunder and lightning is on the way, which could push further north on Sunday.
How can I track lightning and thunderstorms?
A number of weather maps online can help you track the thunderstorm as it sweeps across the UK.
Metcheck provides a live update of the storm as it batters its way through the country – check where the storm is here.
You can also track lightning here.
What are the Met Office weather warnings?
The Met Office weather warnings, in place from today until 9pm on August 17, suggest torrential rain will hammer most of England and Wales.
Earlier this week BBC Weather Watchers said there were a staggering 50,000 lightning strikes in 24 hours across the UK following the weekend heatwave, and there are more to come.
Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “Up until Monday, thunderstorm warnings cover much of England and Wales, with parts of southern England and South Wales seeing the greatest likelihood of impacts.
“The storms will not affect all areas, but where they happen there will be frequent lightning, gusty winds and intense, heavy downpours with 30 to 40 millimetres of rain possible in less than an hour and, in a few unlucky spots, a small chance of 60 mm falling in a short period.
“With the continuing hot weather, large swathes of the UK continue to be at risk from thunderstorms, and potentially the impacts from heavy rain, into the early part of next week.”
The latest severe weather warnings come amid extreme temperatures for the UK.
How do I stay safe in a thunderstorm?
The Met Office says the best thing to do during a thunderstorm is to shelter while the storm is taking place.
If inside, it is also advised that you unplug non-essential electrical items too.
If you are outside it is important to avoid water and find an open place that is at a safe distance from trees, poles, or metal objects.
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You should avoid using the landline as telephone wires can conduct electricity.
If you are in an exposed location, the Met Office advises that you squat down on the ground with your hands on your knees and your head in between them.