The Met Office has issued a yellow warning with showers and thunderstorms affecting parts of the UK causing travel disruption and damage to some buildings. The warning which is in place till 9pm on Sunday may bring some heavy downpours to parts of Northern Ireland, perhaps accompanied by hail and lightning.
The weather warning by the Met office stated: “Showers and thunderstorms, likely frequent in some areas, may bring some heavy downpours to parts of Northern Ireland, perhaps accompanied by hail and lightning.
“In some places showers may become organised at times to give longer spells of wet weather. Where showers are most frequent, or becoming more organised, there is the potential for 25-35 mm of rain in 2 or 3 hours.”
Flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds, the Met office stated. The warning further claimed that oower cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost due to the thunderstorm.
Areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to form over parts of southwest England and Wales on Sunday.
The two-three hours of a thunderstorm are likely to impact the driving conditions.
Those going for a longer journey by car and bus may face some travel disruption due to the weather chaos.
Flooding is also likely to affect a few roads and delays to train services are possible.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a yellow heat-health alert (HHA) in 6 regions of England. The alert is currently in place from 12 noon on Friday 7 July to 9am on Sunday 9 July.
Under the new HHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert means that any impacts likely include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: This weekend it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short lived, but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Harris, said: “Temperatures are likely to start to drop from the west on Saturday and more widely into Sunday, as showers and thunderstorms sweep north-east across the country.”
