Full story
Yellow warnings across UK
The Met Office issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for northern England, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland after weeks of extreme heat, with heavy downpours expected to cause flash floods and transport disruption.
“Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued across the UK”
The BBC said the warnings will come into force across northern England, Northern Ireland and eastern Scotland later in the day on Wednesday, and that people in impacted areas were told to expect that businesses and homes could flood, transport services could be delayed and power cuts are likely.
The Met Office warned that lightning, hail and thunder were expected in the areas affected by the warnings, with up to 30mm of rain expected within a few hours in parts of North East Scotland and across Northern Ireland.
The BBC also reported that parts of northern England could see up to 50mm of rain within six hours, while much of the UK had a mixture of sunshine and scattered showers already on Wednesday.
In Wisley, Surrey, the BBC reported that a 62-day long dry spell was broken after 1.6mm fell before 10.00.
Timing and impacts
The Manchester Evening News said the warning affecting Greater Manchester comes into effect at 7pm on Wednesday, August 19, as part of a wider set of yellow thunderstorm warnings across 40 UK areas.
It reported that Northern Ireland was set to be hit first, with the warning coming into effect at 12pm and running until 11:59pm, affecting six counties in Northern Ireland.
The Manchester Evening News quoted the Met Office warning that "Heavy showers and thunderstorms likely to lead to travel disruption and flash flooding in some places," and said a second warning would come into effect at 7pm across parts of north west England, north east England, East Midlands, Wales, and Yorkshire.
It also said the Met Office warned that driving conditions could be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus, and that delays to train services are possible.
The Teesside Live account similarly said the Met Office warned of some flooding with heavy rain expected throughout the night, with a yellow warning in place from 7.00pm tonight until 10.00am tomorrow.
Drought relief, but risk
While the Met Office warnings are tied to flash-flood risk, the BBC said drought officials have declared 71.3% of England in drought and that parts of eastern Scotland are experiencing significant water scarcity.
“sustained and significant rainfall" will be needed”
The BBC reported that the Environment Agency warned "sustained and significant rainfall" will be needed to alleviate the situation, even as the shift in weather may bring welcome relief to areas experiencing drought.
The Independent linked the thunderstorm warnings to the risk that heavy rain falling on baked dry ground poses a risk of surface water flooding and will not immediately solve the ongoing drought.
The Independent also said over 70 per cent of the country remains in drought after five summer heatwaves, with temperatures peaking at 38.1C in London.
The News International similarly said drought officials have announced that 71.3% of England is in drought while parts of eastern Scotland are experiencing a severe water shortage, even as yellow warnings for thunderstorms and flash flooding were issued.