Thunderstorm warning for England and Wales: Risk of flooding and hail

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rainfall and thunderstorms affecting large areas of England and eastern Wales. This warning is in effect from 4am to 9pm on Sunday, indicating a significant risk of flooding, lightning strikes, and hail. Meteorologists have noted that while many areas may avoid severe weather, those that do experience storms could see intense rainfall, with 30 to 40mm possible in under an hour, and potentially over 75mm in isolated locations. The forecast predicts that thundery downpours will begin in southern England on Saturday night, escalating into more organized storms by Sunday morning. As the day progresses, the risk of storms will shift northward, impacting the Midlands and eastern Wales. The Met Office has warned that these conditions could lead to power cuts, travel disruptions, and road closures, with some train and bus services likely to be canceled. In addition to the heavy rain, frequent lightning and hail are expected, particularly in southern and central England. The spokesperson for the Met Office emphasized the potential for rapid flooding of homes and businesses, as well as damage from strong winds and lightning. Drivers are advised to exercise caution due to the anticipated difficult driving conditions. This weather warning comes during a summer that has been cooler than average in the UK, with slightly below-average sunshine. The rainfall has varied across regions but has generally remained within average levels, contrasting with the heatwave experienced in September of the previous year.