Met Office UK weather: 24-hour thunderstorm warning for Somerset …

Somerset is gripped by a 24-hour weather warning for thunderstorms which walso affects the rest of England.

The Met Office has issued the new alert and warns there is a risk of lightning strikes, heavy rain and flooding to homes.

Forecasters state in the warning, which runs from 12am to 11.59 on Sunday (June 18), that “heavy rain and thunderstorms will bring a chance of disruption to parts of England and Wales.

The warning comes amid a hot spell which the Westcountry has basked in for days, and temperatures could still hit 25C in Yeovil on Saturday ahead of the storms.

The forecaster has outlined what to expect:

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds
Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads

(Image: Met Office)

Met Office 5-day forecast for the South West

Today: Early showers in the far west of Cornwall and any early mist or low cloud clearing quickly, leaving another warm day with some hazy sunny spells. Cloud will slowly spread eastwards bringing an increasing chance of showers through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 24 °C.

Tonight: Some hazy sunny spells into the evening however a continued risk of showers, some of which may be heavy overnight. Feeling warm once again. Minimum temperature 14 °C.

Saturday: Another warm day with some sunny spells, though another rather unsettled day. Staying showery with a risk of some heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Winds remaining light. Maximum temperature 24 °C.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Staying unsettled with a continued risk of heavy, thundery showers. Still rather warm, with many of us seeing the return of warm, muggy nights which may feel uncomfortable for some.

References

^{^} Met Office forecast thundery showers and temperatures dropping (www.somersetlive.co.uk)