Arabic version: عواصف رعدية تجلب خطر الفيضانات المفاجئة إلى أجزاء من المملكة المتحدة
According to BBC News, heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue across large areas of the UK on Thursday, bringing a threat of flooding and travel disruption. A Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning remains in place for northern England and north Wales until 10:00 BST.
During the morning, northern England and north Wales are expected to receive the most intense thunderstorms. Within the warning area, 15-20mm of rain could fall in an hour, while 30-50mm is possible over six hours. Flash flooding is possible, particularly where hard ground has followed a prolonged hot and dry spell. Lightning and hail may create further hazards.
The downpours are forecast to ease from the north during the morning before moving south and east into other parts of Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and southern England. Some downpours could remain heavy and thundery. Scotland and Northern Ireland will also see showers, although these are expected to be less intense and less likely to include thunder.
Drivers have been advised to reduce speed and leave extra space from vehicles ahead. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said oil, fuel and rubber deposits built up during dry weather can mix with light rain, raising the risk of skidding on greasy roads. He added that heavier rain could also bring flash-flood danger in some areas. Temperatures are expected to fall, with Thursday highs of 13-23C and Friday widely below the August norm. Parts of Scotland and northern England could fall to 3 or 4C on Friday night.
Despite the return of rain, experts say drought conditions affecting large parts of the UK will not end immediately. A sustained period of persistent rainfall would be needed to replenish water stocks, with the outcome unlikely to be clear until late in the coming winter. Chilly nights are expected to continue into the weekend, while daytime temperatures may recover slightly as high pressure builds, bringing less rain and more sunshine.
