Parts of Britain are bracing for significant rainfall as warm, humid air pushes temperatures upward, increasing the likelihood of thunderstorms. The Met Office has indicated that heavy, thundery showers, originating in the west, are expected overnight on Wednesday. These showers could bring 20 to 40 mm of rain within a few hours during intense downpours. Frequent lightning is also anticipated as the wet weather slowly progresses through the North and East on Thursday.
According to Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone, the shift in weather is due to warm, humid air moving into the UK from the South. This could lead to intense rainfall, potentially causing disruption. While no severe weather warnings are currently in place, the possibility of thunderstorm warnings this week remains. The heaviest downpours are expected in the South West, with Northern Ireland and western Wales also facing wet conditions.
The unstable weather is being driven by a plume of warm air from the south, bringing a change later in the week. By Friday, more settled weather is expected across much of the country. However, another band of thunderstorms is predicted to move in from the South West late on Friday, leading to intense rainfall early on Saturday morning.
In addition to heavy rain, the humid air will cause temperatures to rise throughout the week. Forecasters predict highs of 27C on Wednesday and Thursday, with a possible 29C by Friday, particularly in the South East and central England. Temperatures are expected to reach the twenties across the country, with cities like Newcastle and York experiencing milder conditions.
Meteorologist Craig Snell explained that the changeable weather is being caused by a plume of warm air from Iberia and France. He noted that the humidity will likely trigger thunderstorms, starting late Wednesday and continuing through Thursday, Friday, and potentially into Saturday. The weather will feel noticeably different by midweek, with humid nights becoming warmer than recent nights.
Today, low cloud and light rain in the south will diminish, with increasing sunshine developing throughout the day. The evening will be dry for most, with variable cloud and clear spells. The clearest skies will be in the north, where it will turn chilly. The south will remain mild with some patchy fog.
Tomorrow, morning low cloud in the south will clear, leading to a largely dry and sunny day for many, with a few showers in the west. The weather will be widely very warm. Thursday and Friday will be very warm and humid, with the risk of heavy and thundery downpours. Further heavy rain is possible on Saturday, but the air will feel fresher from the south.
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