Residents across Somerset are being urged to prepare for potential thunderstorms this Saturday as the Met Office issues a yellow weather warning covering the county and surrounding regions. The warning, effective from 9am to 6pm, extends over parts of central and southern England, Wales, the Midlands, London, the South East, and areas including Bristol, Gloucestershire, Devon, Cornwall, and Plymouth.
Rain is expected to arrive in Somerset from around 7pm on Friday, intensifying with a 90% chance of heavy downpours by 11pm. Showers will persist through Saturday morning and into the early afternoon, bringing an unsettled and wet day.
Weather conditions on Friday will feature a mix of sunshine and scattered showers. Some of these showers may consolidate into longer spells of rain, accompanied by cool breezes. Later in the evening, more continuous rain and wind will advance into the southwest, spreading eastwards overnight.
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Saturday’s forecast warns of frequent heavy showers, some accompanied by thunder, hail, and strong, gusty winds. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri explains: “We expect widespread heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout Saturday, which will ease from the west by mid to late afternoon. Rainfall amounts could reach 10-15mm in under an hour, with some locations experiencing 30-40mm over several hours. Lightning, hail, and strong winds are possible.”
The yellow thunderstorm warning highlights the unpredictability of such weather events. Suri adds, “Thunderstorms are challenging to forecast precisely because they develop quickly and narrowly, much like bubbles forming unpredictably in a boiling pan of water.”
Sunday should be calmer with drier conditions prevailing for most, though showers will linger mainly in the north and east early on. Many areas can expect sunny spells, although some persistent showers may still occur in the west and northwest.
Looking ahead to Monday, sunshine and scattered showers will dominate, especially in northern areas, with southern parts remaining mostly dry. On Tuesday, there is a chance that a low-pressure system moving in from the Atlantic could bring a new weather front to the UK, possibly ushering in warmer air. From Wednesday onward, temperatures are anticipated to rise, with highs potentially reaching the high 20s Celsius in the southeast by Thursday. However, this warmth may also increase the risk of thunderstorms, potentially making the end of the week unsettled.
Detailed South West forecast:
Friday: Starting rather cloudy with heavy showers clearing eastwards, followed by bright spells. Cloudier later with scattered showers along the south coast. Breezy and warm in sunshine. High of 18°C.
Friday night: Rain spreading in from the southwest with heavy downpours and possible thunder. Increasingly breezy near coasts. Low of 11°C.
Saturday: Wet and windy with heavy, blustery showers, occasional thunder, and late afternoon brightening in the southwest. Strong coastal winds. High of 18°C.
Sunday & Monday: Scattered showers with ample sunshine and easing winds. Warmth increasing from Monday.
Tuesday: A few heavier showers possible; temperatures warming as the week progresses.