Thunderstorms and sunshine

Runners in rain

It's staying warm with sunny spells for large areas over the next few days, however, many of us will see thunderstorms with torrential rain, lightning and hail.

Details of exactly where will see the worst impacts from these storms are likely to be uncertain until quite close to the time they break out, but National Severe Weather Warnings are being issued, broadly highlighting the most prone areas.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page said: “The worst impacts are likely during the afternoon and evening on Thursday with the potential for 30-40 mm of rain to fall in an hour, and a chance of some isolated places seeing as much as 60-80 mm over two to three hours. Some will see frequent lightning and large hail as well. This could result in flash flooding, transport delays and dangerous driving conditions.

“We’d advise anyone with outdoor plans over the next few days to keep updated with the forecast and warnings and consider their plans if the risk of thunderstorms or heavy rain may affect them”.

Highways England’s Head of National Traffic Operations, Mike Ord, said: “We want everybody to arrive at their destination safely and without incident, and urge drivers to adapt their driving in wet weather. Rain makes it harder for tyres to grip the road and harder for drivers to see ahead – significantly increasing the chances of being involved in a collision. It generally takes at least twice as long to stop on a wet road as on a dry road. We recommend slowing down if the rain and spray from vehicles is making it difficult to see and be seen, keeping well back from the driver in front and, if you feel the steering becoming unresponsive, slow down gradually as it probably means that water is preventing the tyres from gripping the road.”