
Exactly where thunderstorms will strike UK as Met Office issues rainfall warning
Parts of the UK could see half a month's rainfall in just this week when thunderstorms sweep in bringing torrential showers while temperatures could become "uncomfortably" hot
Brits are set for stormy weather amid high temperatures and weather maps have revealed the areas set to be worst affected by torrential rain.
After a couple of weeks of milder weather due to low pressure systems moving in from the Atlantic, the UK is seeing the mercury rise again and it could reach 25C in central and northwest England on Wednesday. But forecasters are also warning of thunderstorms bringing with them around half a typical month's rainfall this week. Much of the UK can expect sunshine and blue skies on Wednesday afternoon and it will be into the evening when the storms hit with up to 40mm of rain battering south Wales and southwest England. And the showers are set to linger into Thursday.
BBC weather forecaster Elizabeth Rizzini said: 'There will be a lot of blue skies and sunshine, more patchy cloud developing through the afternoon. Watch out towards the southwest by the end of the day, there could be thunderstorms breaking out but we are drawing in a southeasterly wind, that pushes the warmer air our way, temperatures in the mid-20Cs for many of us.
'Wednesday night into Thursday watch out for some thunderstorms in the west, and those thunderstorms will gradually track their way further northwards and eastwards throughout the day on Thursday.'
While Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, has also warned of thundery showers. "After largely benign weather early in the week, some intense, thundery showers will move in on Wednesday evening. These thunderstorms are being triggered by some warm, humid air that is moving into the UK from the south," he said.
"The intense rainfall could see 20-40mm accumulating over just a few hours, which could cause some disruption. While there are no severe weather warnings issued at the moment, it is possible thunderstorm warnings may be issued this week."
Weather maps issued by forecasters at Metdesk show these cities, especially Cardiff, are likely to see the worst of the weather this week. Cardiff has an average of 74mm of rain in a typical June, Bristol sees around 65mm and Plymouth has 64mm.
But with between 35mm and 40mm of rain expected across south Wales, Cardiff could see around half of its standard June precipitation already by the end of the week. It is similar case for Bristol, Plymouth, Exeter and even further north for Hereford, which typically sees 48mm of rain across June.
Mr Silverstone also highlighted that temperatures with humidity making it possibly uncomfortable. "As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, north-west England and northeast Wales, however it is very dependent on cloud cover later this week, so it is not a certainty, " he said.
"This warm spell will feel different to the fine weather we experienced in May as the humidity will be much higher, making it feel more uncomfortable. Additionally, while in May the nights were still fairly cool, overnight temperatures this week are forecast to remain fairly warm, which can disrupt people's sleep."

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