Gloucestershire is currently experiencing heavy rain, prompting the Met Office to extend its thunderstorm warning to cover a large portion of the county. Initially, a yellow weather alert included parts of the South West but excluded Gloucestershire. Following an update this morning, the warning now spans Gloucester, Cheltenham, the Forest of Dean, Stroud, Tewkesbury, and Winchcombe, while areas such as Cirencester and parts of the east Cotswolds remain outside the affected zone.
The warning remains in effect until 7 pm today. The Met Office advises that heavy rain will move northwards, accompanied by the risk of thunder, which could disrupt travel in some locations.
In their update, the Met Office explained that although the chance of severe thunderstorm impacts has decreased, there is still a possibility of thunderstorms developing. The warning area was extended slightly eastward, and the end time pushed back due to potential ongoing storm activity as the main rain system moves north.
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Forecast details include early heavy, locally thundery rain shifting north through the morning, followed by occasional sunny spells with scattered thunderstorms in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach a maximum of 23°C, with warm, humid, breezy, and gusty conditions persisting alongside the showers.
Overnight, conditions will remain cloudy with patchy rain becoming heavier especially over higher ground. Temperatures will drop to a minimum of 12°C, while the atmosphere stays warm and muggy.
Friday’s outlook calls for mostly dry conditions during the day with some bright intervals and drizzle. However, heavier thundery rain is expected to arrive in the evening, predominantly across eastern parts of the county. Temperatures will peak at 24°C under continued warm and humid conditions.
Looking ahead to the weekend, Saturday is forecasted to bring heavy rain and thunderstorms accompanied by hail and gusty winds. These conditions should ease on Sunday, resulting in a largely dry day, while Monday is expected to offer bright spells and slightly cooler temperatures.