A yellow thunderstorm warning swept across southern England, parts of the Midlands, and south Wales on June 7, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM BST. Issued by the Met Office, the alert warns of heavy rain, lightning, hail, and gusty winds, with some areas potentially seeing 30-40mm of rain in hours—more than May’s entire rainfall. Here’s what you need to know.
Weather Details and Impacts
- Rainfall: Up to 10-15mm in an hour, with 30-40mm possible over several hours in worst-hit areas, compared to England’s 32.8mm for all of May 2025, the driest spring in over 100 years.
- Hazards: Frequent lightning, hail, and strong winds may disrupt transport, with spray and standing water slowing roads and delaying trains. Power outages and building damage from lightning are risks.
- Coverage: The warning spans southern England (including London), the Midlands, and south Wales, but thunderstorms are unpredictable, and some areas may stay dry.
Why It Matters
After a record-breaking warm spring, June’s unsettled weather—wetter, windier, and cooler—marks a stark shift. The Met Office notes potential for short-term power losses and advises caution for drivers. Posts on X, like @MetOffice’s warning updates, urge preparedness, with some users reporting early disruptions in London. With 70% of UK weather-related disruptions linked to heavy rain, per 2024 Met Office data, this storm could snarl plans.
Staying Safe
The warning, the Met Office’s lowest tier, signals moderate disruption risk. Storms should ease in the west by mid-afternoon. Check www.metoffice.gov.uk for real-time updates, and avoid travel in heavily affected areas. Other UK regions will see lighter showers.
Stay informed and safe as the storms roll through!