Severe Thunderstorm Warning: A life-threatening warning as thunderstorms replace a heat wave

Following the longest recorded spell of 30C in September, heavy rain and storms are expected in some parts of the UK on Saturday afternoon and Sunday (9-10 September).

The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for heavy rain and storms from 2pm to 9pm tonight, expected to hit areas of Manchester and Hull, all the way to Oxford and Gloucester.

On Sunday, Glasgow, Newcastle and Belfast are expected to witness thunderstorms from 2pm until midnight, with the possibility of flooding that could cause a potential danger to life.

The Met Office warned that the storms could also cause disruption, such as road closures and public transport delays.

Chris Wilding, director of flood duty at the Environment Agency, said: “Major surface water flooding is possible but is not expected in parts of England on Saturday afternoon and evening due to isolated heavy rainfall.

“We urge people not to drive through floodwaters – they are often deeper than they look, and just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float your car.”

The yellow warning was updated this morning and has been directed north to include all of Lincolnshire and parts of Yorkshire.

Temperatures are expected to reach new record highs of 33C today, having already reached more than 30C in Cavendish, Suffolk.

The hottest day of the year so far was recorded on Thursday (September 7), with 32.6C recorded in Wesley, Surrey.

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For some, the heatwave will ease with a thunderstorm, the Met Office reported yesterday (September 8).

Poul Gundersen, the Met Office’s chief meteorologist, said: “Although most of the UK will see continued warming temperatures and sunny skies on Saturday, in what is likely to be the hottest day of the year so far, there is also the possibility of “Some thunderstorms, which could be very hot.” This resulted in a yellow warning being issued for most of central England and parts of east Wales.

“Temperatures will begin to trend downward from Saturday in the far north-west of Scotland, with a cold front gradually moving south over the weekend, bringing with it the risk of some heavy rain and thunderstorms on Sunday as well. However, the south-east will continue to experience temperatures The high temperature will last longer and may reach 32 degrees Celsius on Sunday.

You can check your flood risk and sign up for free flood warnings at: https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding