Swathe of new thunderstorm and rain warnings announced covering much of UK

The Met Office has announced new weather warnings as Britain prepares for a stormy few days.

Wales and the far west of the Midlands are under a yellow thunderstorm warning as the region prepares for heavy showers, which could cause localised flooding and transport disruption.

Northern Ireland and the north of England are also under yellow rain alerts as heavy showers move through the area.

Scotland is under two warnings – both a rain and thunderstorm alert – while the blustery weather makes its way through.

Tomorrow, the entirety of the UK, stretching from Devon to Kent and Kent to the Scottish Highlands, will be under a collective yellow thunderstorm warning until 7 pm.

The Met Office said: ‘Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected on Monday. Rainfall amounts will vary from place to place, but in some locations, 20-40 mm is possible within a couple of hours.

‘Heavy downpours of rain will be the primary hazard, but lightning strikes are also likely, along with the potential for hail and gusty winds.’

The wet weather is expected to lead to disruptions such as road closures and power cuts.

Tomorrow, the Met Office said: ‘Another cloudy, damp start, particularly for the southeast and across Northern Ireland. Brighter elsewhere, though showers soon return; heavy, thundery, and with a risk of hail by the afternoon.’

Be sure to pack those brollies. Luckily, the weather will become a bit more tolerable towards the end of this week.

By Thursday, there will be more sunshine and fewer showers as temperatures warm up a bit.

The wet weather comes just in time as regions across the UK declare drought and enter into hosepipe bans.

So far, South East Water and Yorkshire Water hosepipe bans are in effect, while Thames Water and Southern Water’s bans will begin next week.

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