Thunderstorm warning for this afternoon

Photo: Chloé Hoyle

Lightning at Crown Oil Arena in June 2020

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning as thunderstorms are expected across the north of England from 1pm on Monday (16 May).

The thunderstorm warning is in place until 10pm, and stretches across the entire north and the midlands, plus Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Met Office says: “During Monday afternoon thunderstorms are likely to develop over parts of Wales and the Midlands before moving northwards into northern England and develop over Northern Ireland. These are likely to bring some heavy rain to places with 20mm of rain possible in 1-2 hours but also the risk of hail and thunder. The thunderstorms will clear from the south during the afternoon then die out altogether into the evening.”

Scattered thunderstorms will develop Monday afternoon bringing some disruption to travel in places

What to expect

• There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
• Delays to train services are possible
• Some short term loss of power and other services is likely
• A chance of some flooding of homes and businesses or some damage to a few buildings or structures from lightning strikes.