Two additional yellow weather alerts for thunderstorms have been issued, signaling the potential for large hailstones in store for millions of people in the UK.
The recent heatwave saw record-breaking temperatures on Wednesday, with meteorologists cautioning that the mercury could climb even higher to 38C today. Despite the scorching heat, thunderstorms have swept through various regions of the country.
The Met Office has now issued two yellow warnings for thunderstorms in Scotland. The first warning is effective from 3pm until midnight today, while a broader alert covers the entirety of Scotland on Friday. These storms may bring lightning, heavy rainfall, and hailstones reaching up to 4cm in diameter.
In the warning for Friday, the national weather agency stated, “Spells of heavy rain and thunderstorms initially over northwest Scotland are likely to become more widespread during Friday morning. Further thunderstorms and heavy rain are possible in the afternoon before becoming confined to more northern areas of Scotland later in the day.”
Furthermore, a rare red warning for extreme heat remains in effect. Yesterday, temperatures soared to 36.1C in Gosport, Hampshire, surpassing the previous June record set in 1976.
The heatwave is expected to persist into Friday, with the possibility of surpassing the current high temperatures. The Met Office noted that Wednesday’s peak temperature broke the previous June record from 1976.
The forecast indicates that the exceptional heat will extend northward on Thursday, with some areas experiencing even hotter conditions under amber and red extreme heat warnings. However, a brisk breeze in the south may offer some relief in certain places.
Red warnings for extreme heat have been issued for regions extending from London and the south coast to Swansea, Somerset, and Birmingham until late Thursday. The forecaster cautioned that significant disruptions to daily routines are probable. If temperatures reach 39C, it would mark the second-hottest day ever recorded in the UK.
A temperature of 38C would still rank among the top five hottest days ever recorded, surpassing any day in the 20th century. The heatwave has prompted health advisories, school closures, and disruptions to transportation services.
Additionally, a yellow warning for thunderstorms is in place for southwest England starting at 6pm today until the end of the day.
The prevailing weather conditions are attributed to a “heat-dome” that has settled over western Europe, ushering in extreme weather patterns across the continent.
