**Met Office Warns of Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms for Western UK Amid Unseasonal Heat**
Parts of the UK are bracing themselves for a spell of heavy rain and potentially severe thunderstorms, set to strike later today, according to a fresh warning from the Met Office. In a sharp contrast to the sunshine seen in recent days, meteorologists have indicated that unsettled weather will make an appearance in three western regions, bringing the risk of flooding and travel disruption.
The areas most likely to be affected include the West Country, South Wales, and sections of the West Midlands, with weather experts forecasting intense downpours arriving from the south overnight and persisting into Sunday. Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey has highlighted the unusual combination of unseasonably high temperatures and abrupt rain, suggesting weather-watchers should be prepared for the unexpected. Daytime temperatures are anticipated to soar as high as 25°C to 26°C—around eight degrees above the seasonal average—making the sudden wet weather all the more surprising.
Mr Vautrey explained that communities in the target areas should expect “heavy, short sharp” spells of rain, potentially accompanied by hail and lightning. The unpredictable nature of thunderstorms means not everyone will be equally affected but, where storms do strike, the consequences could be significant. He told reporters: “The character of these storms is very hit and miss by nature, however, where they fall the rainfall could be intense.” This follows a notably dry spring, during which many parts of the UK saw little precipitation, heightening the risk of rapid surface flooding as hard ground struggles to absorb fast-falling rain.
Estimates from the Met Office suggest some locations could receive between 20mm and 30mm of rain within just two hours, with isolated spots potentially collecting as much as 40mm over a three-hour period. Such volumes, especially on parched surfaces, are capable of causing localised flooding and hazards for both pedestrians and motorists.
Motorists, in particular, are urged to remain vigilant, as the timing and location of storms may develop with little warning. Mr Vautrey stressed the importance of taking extra care on the roads, pointing out: “Thunderstorms can develop suddenly and the resulting conditions may pose a risk to drivers. Please be alert and adjust your plans accordingly.” Flash flooding and poor visibility are both likely to create complications.
Elsewhere, the Met Office forecasts that showers could extend into Northern Ireland and Scotland over the remainder of Sunday and into Monday, with bands of wet weather lingering in some regions as the new week begins. Southern and western districts remain under observation for further warnings if the developing systems become more threatening.
Looking ahead, those hoping for a quick return to more settled conditions will be relieved to learn that high pressure is set to re-establish itself from Tuesday onwards. This shift should bring drier, brighter conditions back to much of the nation, with sunshine and temperatures stabilising in the low to mid-20s Celsius—a welcome respite for those put off by the volatile weekend.
The current situation highlights the UK’s famously changeable climate, where periods of warmth can be quickly interrupted by heavy and sometimes disruptive rainfall. Such swings in weather not only affect daily life but also serve as reminders of the need for preparedness and resilience in the face of unpredictable patterns.
Authorities advise residents in the affected areas to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, ensure property and vehicles are secure, and avoid unnecessary journeys during periods of heavy rain. With the Met Office maintaining active weather alerts, it is hoped that timely warnings will help minimise the impact on communities across western Britain. As always, the nation watches the skies and prepares for whatever the next turn in the weather may bring.