Thunderstorms and downpours on the way as ‘summer’ starts

Stephen Dixon,a Met Office spokesman,said: 'The UK is in the midst of some unsettled weather at the moment'

Credit: E+

Thunderstorms could add to months of record-breaking rain this summer,the Met Office has said.

Chances of a wet or dry summer are still “fairly balanced” in forecasts,according to the forecaster,but “some spells of unsettled weather can be expected”.

“As is typical for the time of year,these spells are likely to see heavy downpours and thunderstorms for some regions,” the Met Office said.

It is too soon to know whether the prolonged wet weather that has been seen over the last year will last into the summer,which officially starts this weekend,it added.

But England is set for the first summer without a hosepipe ban in three years,the Government has previously said,following the months-long washout.

A yellow warning for storms was in place between 2pm and 7pm on Tuesday for parts of north-west England,Yorkshire,the East Midlands and East Anglia.

A separate warning covering Northumberland,Cumbria and southern Scotland was in place from 3pm until midnight.

Parts of Northern Ireland are also covered by a yellow warning between noon and 9pm.

Forecasters warned that up to 1.2in (30mm) of rain could fall in just a few hours in places,while lightning,hail and strong winds could cause damage to buildings.

There is also a chance of delays and cancellations to train and bus services and particularly heavy downpours in some areas could see roads cut off.

Stephen Dixon,said: “The UK is in the midst of some unsettled weather at the moment.

“It will be a little bit hit and miss within warning areas,some lightning strikes and travel disruptions lend an unsettled feel for today (Tuesday).”

On Wednesday,highs of 21C are expected in the South East of England.

A further yellow warning for thunderstorms comes into force in Scotland at 10am on Wednesday and is in place until 7pm.

It covers cities including Edinburgh,Aberdeen and Dundee,with forecasters warning of up to 20mm of rain in less than an hour.

Mr Dixon said: “The thundery risk spreads further north on Wednesday,with a warning in force for much of Scotland. Further south will see a continued mix of sunshine and showers for many.

“That showery theme,with the potential for some heavier bursts,continues for much of the country on Thursday,though there is also likely to be some sunny spells at times,which could feel quite pleasant away from the rain.

“There is a change signalled for the weekend,with a ridge of high pressure likely to reduce rainfall totals and bring some warm,dry weather for many,though details will become clearer in the coming days.”