Thursday 31.7.25

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across a significant portion of southern England for tomorrow, Thursday, July 31st, 2025. This warning is in effect from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM BST, highlighting a period where severe weather is expected to cause disruption.

Chief Meteorologist Andy Page attributes this unsettled weather to a low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic, which will bring heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the day. These thunderstorms are predicted to develop during the morning and continue into the afternoon, primarily affecting regions including London, the South East, and parts of the South West of England. Areas such as Bristol, Southampton, Ipswich, Brighton, Kent, Oxfordshire, and Buckinghamshire are all covered by this warning.

The key hazards associated with these thunderstorms include "torrential downpours," with some localized areas potentially experiencing 25mm to 35mm of rain within an hour, and even up to 60mm within two hours. Such intense rainfall greatly increases the risk of surface water flooding, which can lead to hazardous driving conditions due to spray and standing water. Commuters are specifically warned about potential difficulties on roads and possible delays or cancellations to train and bus services.

Beyond heavy rain, frequent lightning strikes and hail are additional significant concerns. Lightning poses a risk of damage to buildings and infrastructure, as well as potential power cuts and disruption to other utilities and services. Hail could also contribute to dangerous driving conditions and may cause damage to property. The Met Office advises residents to secure any movable objects or temporary structures like bins, trampolines, and garden furniture, as strong winds can also accompany these storms.

The localised nature of thunderstorm impacts is a crucial aspect to consider; while a broad area is covered by the warning, the most severe downpours, lightning strikes, and hail will likely be confined to specific, unpredictable locations within the warning zone. This means that not all areas within the warning will experience the same level of disruption, but preparedness remains key for everyone in the affected regions.