Vicious thunderstorms hit northwestern UK this week

This week, the UK is experiencing severe thunderstorms, particularly affecting the northwestern regions. The Met Office has indicated that areas such as Dumfries and Galloway and Cumbria will see significant rainfall, with conditions worsening from Wednesday. Meteorologists predict that the storms will be widespread, impacting regions as far south as Surrey, with the most intense activity expected around 4pm in Merseyside and Lancashire. Heavy thunderstorms are also anticipated in west Wales, especially near Aberystwyth, and parts of the West Midlands and Staffordshire. The weather has been unsettled following a weekend of heavy rain, which saw nearly 70mm fall in Shropshire alone. Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 40mph across the Welsh borders, with even stronger gales in Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man. As the week progresses, a cold front will bring a significant drop in temperatures, with daytime highs struggling to reach 11C in southern England and lows dropping to 6C in rural Scotland. Craig Snell, a senior meteorologist, noted that the cold air will lead to a series of showers across the UK, particularly on Wednesday and Thursday. While temperatures were mild earlier in the week, they are set to decline as the cold air takes hold. The heaviest showers are likely to occur in north Wales, contributing to the overall wet conditions. This shift in weather marks a significant change as summer comes to an end, with the UK bracing for a period of unsettled weather that could last until the weekend. Residents are advised to prepare for the storms and potential disruptions caused by the severe weather conditions.