The Met Office has updated its yellow weather warning for heavy, slow-moving rain and thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales.
Forecasters now predict that central and southern England, and east and south-east Wales, will be worst affected on Thursday afternoon and evening.
Torrential rain may produce 5 cm (2 in), or more, in an hour or two, although there is a “slight chance” of 10 cm (4 in) over the course of a few hours.
There is also a warning about gusts of wind, lightning, large hail and also floods.
The area covered by the yellow warning has been revised – decreasing slightly from Wednesday’s initial predictions – but remains in place until 11:59 p.m.
Although the forecast says showers and thunderstorms could occur again overnight in parts of eastern England.
The yellow weather warning applies until 11:59 pm on Thursday. Photo: Met Office
In Birmingham, flood warnings have been issued for parts of Upper Tame, along with the Rivers Stour, Rea and Cole – as well as the River Blythe in Warwickshire.
Meanwhile, around Nottinghamshire, the rivers Maun, Trent and Leen are also on alert, as are several small streams and tributaries around London.
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England’s flood warning service has issued a series of precautionary warnings due to the forecast of heavy rain, but adds that there is little confidence about the exact timing and locations.
This week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat health warnings across the whole of England – except the north-east and north-west – until Friday.
![People walking in the rain in Whitehall, Westminster, London. Thunderstorms and hail are expected to hit parts of the UK on Thursday as temperatures reach 30C. Photo date: Thursday, August 1, 2024.](https://e3.365dm.com/24/08/768x432/skynews-weather-thunderstorms_6644757.jpg?20240801135242)
Rain in central London on Thursday. Photo: PA
![People enjoy the warm weather at Victoria Tower Gardens in Westminster, London. Thunderstorms and hail are expected to hit parts of the UK on Thursday as temperatures reach 30C. Photo date: Thursday, August 1, 2024.](https://e3.365dm.com/24/08/768x432/skynews-sunny-heatwave-sun_6644762.jpg?20240801135348)
Later on Thursday it became warmer in Westminster. Photo: PA
Meanwhile, Tuesday recorded the hottest day of the year so far, breaking the previous one this year. maximum of 31.9°C.
Kew Gardens and Heathrow, both in west London, recorded temperatures of 32°C (89°F).
It is likely to be wet on Thursday – temperatures are normally expected to remain as high as 28ºC (82ºF) or higher – before falling slightly on Friday, but remaining wet.
See more information:
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The Met Office says overnight temperatures may be hot for some – but there is advice to help people get some sleep.
The suggestion is to open the windows at night, try to let in some cooler air and keep the curtains or blinds closed during the day.
This story originally appeared on News.sky.com read the full story