The downpour comes just days after the UK recorded its hottest temperature on record on Tuesday as the mercury topped 40C for the first time. Extreme heat has resulted in a series of devastating fires across England, with firefighters saying it was the busiest day since World War II. Now the UK has moved on from the rare “danger to life” red warning, but parts of England and Wales are under a yellow storm warning. A storm warning has been issued for Friday (Getty Images) These areas include Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Hampshire and Sussex. According to the Met Office, slow moving, strong thunderstorms are likely to develop from mid to late morning, possibly peaking in the afternoon and early evening before dissipating later. Where thunderstorms occur, 20-25 mm of rain is possible in less than an hour and 40-50 mm in 2 or 3 hours. Hail and frequent lightning are potential additional hazards. Forecasters warned that people could expect to see spray and flash flooding that could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures. Train and bus services may be delayed or canceled in places with flooding and lightning. There is a slight chance of power outages and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost, forecasters said. Met Office forecast for the next four days
Friday
Rather cloudy with some sunshine in S, W and E Scotland. Rain in central areas moving north. Scattered heavy rain develops in the south.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Showers spreading to the northwest on Saturday, dry elsewhere. Warm in the southeast on Sunday, cooler elsewhere with intermittent showers. Sunshine and showers on Monday, strong in the north.
