The UK is facing a new yellow weather warning issued by the Met Office for thunderstorms in six regions. Forecasters are cautioning about heavy rainfall and frequent lightning strikes that could cause disruptions on Thursday evening, from 6pm to 11:59pm.
While many areas may not experience severe conditions, the Met Office has highlighted the potential for intense thunderstorms to develop after a period of hot weather. This could lead to travel delays, flooding, and power outages.
Drivers are advised to be cautious as driving conditions may become dangerous with spray, standing water, and hail, resulting in longer journey times. Strong winds accompanying the storms could cause damage to buildings and temporary structures, with lightning posing a risk to some properties.
The Met Office warns of possible short-term power outages and service disruptions in homes and businesses as the storms pass through affected areas. It is recommended to seek shelter in a safe enclosed space during thunderstorms and avoid trees or structures that may attract lightning strikes.
Thunderstorms are a result of warm air rapidly rising into the atmosphere following hot weather or a heatwave. The process of warm air cooling and condensing into water droplets forms clouds, eventually leading to the development of thunderstorm clouds capable of producing hail, thunder, and lightning.