Southern England and the East Midlands skilled extreme climate circumstances on Saturday, with heavy rain, hail, and thunderstorms sweeping via the area. The UK recorded roughly 400 lightning strikes, and heavy rainfall led to localized flooding.
Street Closures and Flooding
Nationwide Highways confirmed that flooding led to the closure of components of the M18 in Yorkshire on Saturday. Moreover, sections of the M40 close to Warwick remained closed into Sunday as a result of residual flooding. Authorities have urged motorists to train warning and keep up to date on journey advisories.
Meteorological Evaluation
Ellie Glaisyer, a meteorologist on the Met Workplace, reported that thunderstorms had been noticed throughout London, Buckinghamshire, and components of the japanese Midlands, extending into southern Lincolnshire. “By way of rainfall totals, we noticed principally 10 to fifteen millimetres over 20 minutes to an hour,” she stated. The storms had been pushed by surface-based convection, the place sturdy daylight heated the bottom, inflicting heat air to rise and type thunderstorms.
Impression of Unseasonal Temperatures
The stormy climate adopted an unusually heat day on Thursday when the UK skilled its highest spring equinox temperatures since 1972, reaching 21°C in some areas. Ms. Glaisyer famous that temperatures round 18°C in March have gotten extra frequent as a result of local weather change, resulting in elevated cases of extreme climate occasions.
Flood Alerts and Ongoing Warnings
The Atmosphere Company has issued flood alerts for 22 areas, together with North Hampshire, Salisbury, and Hertfordshire. Residents in affected areas are suggested to stay vigilant and take essential precautions in opposition to potential flooding.
Authorities proceed to watch the state of affairs, and additional updates are anticipated as climate circumstances develop.