Met Office warns of lightning and hail as severe thunderstorm warning issued

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Bristol today, with lightning, heavy rain and hail likely across the region. The warning, which was in place in parts of Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, has been extended to include Bristol and Wales and is in place from midday until 9pm today (Tuesday, May 21).

Forecasters say storms are “likely” to develop throughout the day. The Met Office is warning of difficult driving conditions, chances of flooding and lightning and sometimes very heavy rain. Up to 50mm of rain could fall in just a few hours, the forecaster says.

After hours of sunshine throughout the day, Bristol will start to see some heavy rain from 7pm, according to the current forecast. Heavy rain is expected to continue overnight, with hail in the early hours of the morning and into tomorrow (Wednesday 22 May).

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The Met Office said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected during the afternoon in parts of south-west England, Wales and the West Midlands, before slowly dying out during the evening. Many places will miss the worst, but where it develops, some Slow and heavy rain is possible, giving accumulations of 20-30mm in about 1 hour and a lower probability of 40-50mm in 2-3 hours in frequent lightning and hail strikes are also possible in a few locations.

The severe weather warning was initially issued for Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, but has since been extended to include Bristol, South Gloucestershire and much of Wales. Another thunderstorm warning is also in place across the south-east and a heavy rain warning is in place across the Midlands and north.

Rainy weather warnings are also in place across the Midlands and North both tomorrow and Thursday 23 May. Meteorologists say a low pressure crisis is causing this period of heavy rain.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Rudman said: “Low pressure will influence our weather from mid-week, bringing some heavy rain to parts of the UK. Eastern areas are most likely to see the highest rainfall accumulations, although this will depend on the precise positioning of the low pressure.

“It is important to monitor the forecast as details become clearer and severe weather warnings may also be issued.”

Southwest weekly forecast

Today

Early low cloud clears during the morning to leave sunny spells with scattered showers developing by the afternoon, becoming heavy or thundery especially in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

This evening

Showers will ease during the evening with most places becoming dry with clear spells overnight. Later some low level cloud will develop in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Minimum temperature 8 °C.

Wednesday

A dry and bright start with any low level cloud breaking and clearing soon. Showers are developing again, but are expected to be less heavy than today. Maximum temperature 19 °C.

Outlook from Thursday to Saturday

Mostly dry and fine Thursday and Friday with just the odd shower around. Saturday will likely start dry, but showers are expected to arrive later in the day.