London weather: Met Office issues yellow warning for thunderstorms - exact time it will hit

Just a week after a second heatwave in as many months, London, like most parts of the UK, has been issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.

The announcement of the weather warning comes just three weeks after the UK experienced its hottest ever day in the UK, with London’s very own Heathrow Airport recording a temperature of 40.2C.

As well as that record, it was also the first time the UK had ever recorded a heat of over 40C.

With it being confirmed that we have just experienced the driest July since 1935, a thunderstorm could likely bring some much needed rain, as many places in the UK (London included) recently declared a drought.

The last drought declared in England was back in 2018, with heavy rainfall and storms following just days after.

When does the yellow weather warning come into place in London?

The <u>Met Office</u> yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued from 10am on Monday, 15 August to 11.59pm on Wednesday, 17 August.

When is the exact time we could see thunderstorms in London?

Despite the weather warning being in place for three full days, the Met Office predicts that London will see a storm just once.

A storm, according to the Met Office, will hit London at 9pm on Monday, 15 August and will be over by 10pm, when the weather reverts back to cloudy.

There is also a 50 percent chance of rain accompanying the storm.

What can we expect from the yellow weather warning?

Like any weather warning for a number of different weather conditions, the Met Office has issued what you can expect.

It reads:

• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds

• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

How to keep safe in a thunderstorm

The Met Office also gives advice for what to do before a thunderstorm and during a thunderstorm, with the advice to be taken seriously for London since a thunderstorm is on its way.

Before the thunderstorm

• Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
• Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.

During the thunderstorm

• Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
• If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
• Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
• Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
• If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
• If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately

Advice on other things, such as how to drive safely in thunderstorms can also be found on the Met Office website.