Thunderstorms could hit London just as temperatures reach 25C, the Met Office has confirmed. Areas including London, the South West and West Midlands are all predicted to be affected.
The Met Office has issued a weather warning which starts at 12pm on Monday 12 May and finishes at 10pm the same day. The storms are expected to develop on Monday afternoon, May 12, with intense rain anticipated for short periods of time. While the storms have a low likelihood of occurring, they would reportedly have a medium impact.
The showers could produce 20-30 mm of rain in less than an hour, with 40-50mm expected within 1-2 hours in areas where thunderstorms grow larger.
Lightning, hail and gusty winds were all cited as possible hazards throughout the storms and showers, which are expected to ease throughout Monday evening.
Driving conditions would be affected by the weather with possible road closures, while areas of lightning or flooding cloud see delays and cancellations to train and bus services. Individuals are advised to check road connections and train or bus timetables.
The warning comes on a day when temperatures in the capital are expected to hit 25C, with the heat peaking from 1pm to 7pm on Monday. The day is generally thought to be cloudy with intermittent sunshine.
Tuesday, May 13, will then see consistent sunshine throughout the day as the mercury stays at around 24C for the afternoon. The same can be said for Wednesday, with the heat reaching its pinnacle at around 4pm.
Temperatures are forecast to come down slightly for the rest of the upcoming week, as peak numbers of around 21C are in place consistently from Thursday, May 15, to Saturday, May 17, alongside uninterrupted sunshine each day.
Forecast for London
Today (Sunday):
A warm and settled day overall, with sunny spells and some cloud building through the morning and afternoon. While many places will stay dry, there's a chance of isolated showers developing later, possibly with the odd rumble of thunder. Coastal areas will feel cooler due to a brisk onshore breeze. Maximum temperature around 26°C. Into tonight, a mostly fine and dry evening with clear spells, though some variable cloud will push in from the south and east overnight. Later in the night, there is a chance of a few locally heavy showers developing, but many places will stay dry. Winds light or variable. Minimum temperature 14°C.
Monday:
A dry and bright start, but cloud will build with scattered showers developing late morning and into the afternoon. Some of these may be heavy, slow-moving, and thundery, with the possibility of hail in places. Skies should clear again by the evening. Warm or very warm throughout, with highs up to 25°C.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday:
A fine, dry, and settled period with plenty of sunshine and clear skies. Temperatures will be warm or very warm inland. Some high-level cloud may drift through at times, making the sunshine hazy. Winds mainly easterly, occasionally with a northerly component by Thursday.
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