The Met Office has issued a dramatic weather warning for the South West of the UK, forecasting a mix of hail, thunder, and heavy rain as a fresh weather front moves in from Friday night. This unsettled spell is part of a broader pattern of changeable conditions across the UK throughout the week.
Forecasters anticipate that all regions will experience showers, with cooler temperatures and breezy winds persisting. The West Country is expected to be particularly affected, with Thursday bringing strong winds and heavy downpours, escalating to the most severe weather on Saturday when hail and thunderstorms could occur.
Andrea Bishop, a spokesperson for the Met Office, highlighted the approaching weather front: “We expect heavy and potentially thundery rain on Saturday, mainly impacting the southern half of the country. Rainfall totals of 20-30mm are likely in affected areas.” The Met Office is monitoring the situation closely as it develops.
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Looking ahead, temperatures are set to rise slightly above average next week. For example, Gloucestershire is forecast to reach highs of 19°C over the coming days.
Residents in Gloucestershire should brace for rain from early Thursday morning through early afternoon, followed by further showers late Friday night. Saturday will likely bring heavy showers between mid-morning and late afternoon, but Sunday should see drier conditions.
Ms Bishop further explained: “This week’s weather will be changeable with showers expected across the UK. Generally, it will be cooler and breezier at times, with intermittent wet spells. The key feature will be the incoming weather front on Friday night bringing heavier rain and possible thunderstorms on Saturday.”
Looking beyond the weekend, the outlook remains variable but temperatures are predicted to return to normal by Tuesday and even exceed average by midweek.
Here is a brief summary of the upcoming weather:
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Wednesday: Expect a mix of sunny spells and cloud, with occasional showers that could be heavy. Breezy and cool with a max temperature of 17°C.
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Wednesday night: Showers easing early before more general rain moves in overnight. Winds will strengthen. Min temperature of 10°C.
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Thursday: A wet start as rain gradually turns showery in the afternoon with potential for heavy downpours. Breezy and warmer with highs of 18°C.
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Friday to Sunday: Conditions remain changeable, with sunny spells and scattered showers on Friday. Saturday will see heavier, more frequent showers with hail and thunder possible. Sunday is expected to be drier but still breezy and cool.
Residents are advised to prepare for these unsettled weather conditions and monitor local forecasts as the situation evolves.