The summer washout is continuing with thunderstorms and gales set to batter the UK tomorrow amid fears August could be another miserable month of rain.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across the Midlands and Wales on Wednesday morning, with wind forecast along the southern coast from 4am.
They warned of buildings and structures from lightning strikes during the storms, which may spark travel chaos to rail passengers and motorists, as well as ‘short term’ power losses.
Gusts of wind reaching 60mph could spark huge travel disruption as British families look to enjoy their summer holidays – with warnings that road, rail, air and ferry transport could all be affected. Beach goers are also told to expect large waves along the coast.
The miserable weather will add to people’s fears that the country may be headed into an early autumn as temperatures this month could struggle to climb above 20C.
The Met Office said: ‘Unseasonably windy conditions, accompanied by showers or longer spells of rain, will affect southern England and Wales during Wednesday.
It added that the highest winds will affect the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall and will spread into other English Channel coastal areas during the morning.
Up to 55-60 mph are expected to hit the ‘most exposed spots’ in the far south and southwest of England, while other parts of the coast will see speeds of between 45-50 mph. Winds are expected to slowly ease later in the afternoon.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Ramsdale, said: ‘On Wednesday there is a chance of impacts both from rainfall and strong winds.
‘Persistent rain feeding into eastern part of northern England in particular, sees the risk of some surface water flooding.
‘There is also the potential for some heavy and thundery showers, which could be slow moving in places with a risk of hail, across central and southern areas. The stronger winds however are more limited to the south coast.
‘With the school holidays underway and many families planning outdoor activities the unseasonably strong winds could also have an impact.
‘While many coastal areas will see breezy conditions at times through the week, some strong or even gale force winds are possible along coastal areas of the south and south-west through Wednesday in particular.
‘With the changeable conditions this week it is important to stay up to date with the daily forecast, and plan accordingly.’
The Met Office warned yesterday that the prospects for any ‘prolonged dry and hot spells’ this month are currently unlikely.
This week is expected to see more unsettled weather with rain, showers, stronger winds and cooler temperatures.
Into August, the country is likely to see thunder, sunshine and showers, with temperatures likely to be mostly below average, forecasters predict.
This is in spite of a series of blistering heatwaves in other countries making July set to be the world’s hottest month on record, sparking renewed warnings about the impact of climate change.
But in a glimmer of hope for anyone planning a domestic holiday over the next few weeks, forecasters say we may manage some short periods of sunny weather in the second half of August.
The reason for the glum weather continues to be the jet stream, which remains stuck across the British Isles – sending rainy Atlantic weather systems directly our way, just as it locks popular Mediterranean holiday destinations into heatwave conditions.
