UK weather: Met Office issues warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rain and flooding on bank holiday Monday

As the May bank holiday draws to a close, the Met Office has issued warnings for thunderstorms, heavy rain, and flooding, leading to a washout ending for many.

Lightning storms are expected to conclude a weekend of varied weather, with the North experiencing prolonged bright sunny spells and temperatures reaching as high as 21C.

Drivers are cautioned about potentially difficult driving conditions on ‘mayhem Monday’ as millions take to the roads, with spray and sudden flooding expected.

The day started with sunny spells in the South before heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecasted to move in during the afternoon.

Two yellow alerts for thunder have been issued, covering the southeast of England, the northwest, and parts of southern Scotland. Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are likely across various regions, including Glasgow, Manchester, and central Wales.

While not all areas will experience storms, those affected could see rainfall of 20 to 40 mm per hour.

In London, heavy downpours began early in the morning and are anticipated to persist until midnight, totaling around 14 hours of rain.

Drier conditions are expected for Northern Ireland and western Scotland.

Another yellow thunder warning is in place in the southeast, encompassing Kent, Sussex, Surrey, and south London. In these areas, there is a risk of rapid flooding and damage to buildings from floodwater, lightning, hail, or strong winds.

Greg Dewhurst, a meteorologist at the Met Office, stated that the weather would be a mix of sunny spells and showers across the country, advising people to be prepared for rain.

As the bank holiday comes to an end, more than 2.5 million drivers may face motorway traffic, particularly on routes like the M5, which is expected to be busiest between 10 am and 3 pm.

A severe flood warning is in effect across the Scrasebridge and West Common Streams, with 45 flood alerts remaining in place across the South.

Tuesday will start cloudy, with sunny spells developing through the day and a few showers possible in the south in the afternoon.

By Wednesday, the weather is predicted to be largely fine and dry, with clouds and some warm sunshine. Rain clouds are expected to move to Northern Ireland and northern Scotland.

Last Wednesday, the Met Office recorded 4,840 lightning strikes across France and southern Britain overnight, with heavy rain and thunderstorms sweeping across southern England and Wales. Two buildings in Sussex were damaged by lightning strikes, according to West Sussex Fire & Rescue, including a care home in Elmer and a university building in Chichester.