The Met Office issued weather radar thunderstorm warnings for many western parts of the UK in the coming days, with some storms capable of bringing heavy downpours, frequent lightning and gusty winds of up to 50–60 mph. Many areas were expected to stay dry, but people along parts of the Devon and Cornwall coasts faced the highest chance of early impacts.
Further warnings were expected on Friday. People in the warned areas were also advised to think about flash flooding, secure loose outdoor items before the wind arrives, and check road conditions or public transport updates before setting out.
Devon and Cornwall coasts
The first impacts were expected to be most frequent along parts of the Devon and Cornwall coasts. That means the weather could change quickly from dry conditions to short, intense storms in one area while nearby places stay unaffected.
The forecast also points to flash flooding, power cuts and difficult travel in the areas that do get hit. People were told to have torches, spare batteries and a mobile phone power pack ready in case the storms interrupt electricity supply.
Warm air over the UK
The warnings followed another very hot day and a weather pattern that was becoming unstable. Warm, humid air near the surface rising beneath much cooler air higher up can build cumulonimbus clouds, which can grow rapidly and produce heavy rainfall, lightning and strong winds.
Inside those clouds, water droplets, ice crystals and hailstones collide and build electrical charge. When that charge is released, lightning follows, and thunder is the sound made as the air heats and expands rapidly.
People outside when storms develop were advised to get inside a building or a car, avoid taking cover under trees or near tall structures, and move to lower ground if they are in an exposed or elevated area.
Friday warnings
Friday was the next point when further warnings were expected, extending the risk into another day of unsettled weather. The practical question for anyone in the warned areas is simple: keep plans flexible, watch for local storm cells and be ready for conditions to change within hours.
