The Met Office has issued a blanket warning across the UK for thunderstorms breaking out late on Tuesday evening into Wednesday morning.
It’s one of the hottest days of the year so far with temperatures hitting over 27C in Salford and Greater Manchester.
Public Health England is urging people to look out for elderly relatives and friends who may be susceptible to the heat.
Young children, babies and those with health issues are most at risk.
People are being advised to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating alcohol or caffeine. They can close curtains to keeps rooms cool, open windows and avoid people and animals being left in closed, parked vehicles which can get extremely hot.
There are also warnings to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, avoid physical exertion at the hottest times of the day and stay in the shade – and to put on a hat and wear sunscreen.
Britain’s mini-heatwave will continue throughout the day before expected bursts of torrential rain, thunder and lightning.
Warm, moist air moving across the western parts of the UK will produce heavy rainfall, with the worst-hit areas taking 30mm in an hour.
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Some locations could see flash flooding with more than 50mm of rain over the course of a few hours.
However, the Met Office say the storm is very difficult to predict, and it could skip Salford entirely.
“There is potential for some severe thunderstorms to develop across Wales, northern England and the Midlands.
“Whilst most places will miss the worst, please be aware of the risk of flash flooding.
“Frequent lightning, large hail and strong winds could be additional hazards.
“All of this could lead to some flooding of homes, businesses and transport networks.
“Disruption to power is also possible.”
It’s unlikely, but given the nerves over 2015’s severe Boxing Day flooding in Broughton, residents can watch live flood information levels here: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/
Main image by @AndyW466
