**Heavy Rains and Thunderstorms to Batter Wales with Up to 40mm Predicted in Hours**
Wales is bracing itself for significant weather disruption today as heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and even lightning are set to sweep across much of the country. The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning, alerting residents to the prospect of persistent downpours which could see some regions experience up to 40mm of rain within a short timeframe.
The situation is forecast to be especially severe throughout Thursday morning. By midday, weather maps indicate that several areas—including Pembrokeshire, Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Aberystwyth, and parts of north-west Wales—could have been hit by up to 40mm of rain. The threat is considered serious enough that meteorologists have flagged a risk of not only thunderstorms but also localised lightning strikes, further increasing the chance of travel delays and power outages.
From as early as 9am, the rain is expected to be heaviest in the southern parts of Wales. During this time, Pembrokeshire may see a brief respite, while Swansea and areas nearby will likely face a concentrated bout of rainfall. Conditions are expected to shift over the course of the morning, with the heaviest downpours moving northwards and into Pembrokeshire again by 10am, particularly affecting locales like Llandovery.
The Met Office predicts that the central and southern regions will continue to see rain at around 11am, and by midday, widespread precipitation is likely to cover the majority of Wales. However, the intensity of rainfall should decrease slightly compared to the earlier hours, with only north Wales facing the risk of the most extreme rainfall totals reaching close to 40mm.
Early afternoon forecasts suggest a gradual clearing in the southeast as the bulk of the rain moves towards north Wales. Nevertheless, the western parts of the country are expected to continue experiencing heavy showers in the hours following midday, with the weather only beginning to settle later in the afternoon.
By approximately 3pm, rainfall is set to make a return to the north and is anticipated to persist heavily until around 8pm. Whilst some southern regions, such as Swansea, Cardiff, and Newport, will encounter patchy severe rain as the day progresses, the most persistent and intense downpours will remain centred in the northern areas through the evening hours.
Neil Armstrong, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, provided further context to the evolving weather patterns: “A weather system is pushing northwards throughout the day, delivering heavy rainfall and a significant risk of thunderstorms to large parts of Wales, southwest England, and eventually Northern Ireland. There is genuine potential for 40mm of rain to fall within three hours or less, which can lead to localised flooding and notable disruption.”
The outlook becomes even more unsettled as fresh rounds of thunderstorms are expected to develop during the afternoon, particularly affecting both England and Wales. These storms, which are likely to be accompanied by hail and lightning, are forecast to track quickly northwards, keeping weather conditions unpredictable across the wider region. Despite the rain, temperatures are set to remain unusually high, with values of 26 to 27°C possible in the Midlands and north London.
Looking further ahead, additional rain is anticipated for western parts of the UK early on Friday, driven by a low-pressure system pulling in warm, humid air from the south. The Met Office has already issued another yellow thunderstorm warning set to come into effect from 3pm on Friday, extending through to Saturday morning, and covering parts of the South East and East Anglia.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant throughout the period, paying close attention to local forecasts and any travel advisories. Authorities are warning of the potential for temporary flooding and significant travel disruption in affected areas. The ever-changing nature of the downpours and storms means that conditions may evolve rapidly, and those living in vulnerable locations are urged to take precautions where necessary.
This wave of severe weather highlights the increasingly volatile nature of the summer season, where warm air and unsettled systems can combine to produce intense rainfall and noteworthy thunderstorms. As always, the Met Office is keen to underscore the importance of heeding official warnings and being prepared for sudden weather changes this week.