Amber weather warning in effect as thunderstorms and flooding are expected

The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for parts of south-east and eastern England, as thunderstorms and torrential rain are expected to cause significant disruption.

The warning is in effect from 04:00 to 11:00 BST on Saturday. The heavy rain could result in flash flooding, with 20-40mm falling in just one hour and up to 70-100mm in some areas over a few hours, which is equivalent to a month's worth of rain. Additionally, frequent lightning, large hailstones, and gusty winds may lead to further issues, particularly for transport.

The thunderstorms are likely to move northward, reaching northern England and Scotland by the weekend. Despite the potential for intense downpours, the rain is unlikely to have a substantial impact on the ongoing hosepipe bans. This is because the water may run off quickly on dry soils and be absorbed by plants rather than replenishing groundwater and reservoir levels. A more sustained period of wet weather is typically required during the autumn or winter months to significantly improve the water situation.

The issuance of the amber warning follows a series of heatwaves that have left the ground particularly dry, increasing the risk of flash flooding. The Environment Agency's Director for Water and National Drought Group chair, Helen Wakeham, has highlighted that the UK has experienced its driest start to the year since 1976. The intense rainfall is expected to be isolated and will not be enough to alleviate the drought conditions that have prompted the hosepipe bans affecting millions of people. These measures are likely to remain in place until there is a prolonged period of wetter weather that can replenish water resources.

BBC News