After a stretch of unseasonably warm and sunny weather across the UK, the Met Office has issued a warning of potential thunderstorms and heavy showers beginning this Sunday, May 11. The warning comes as much of the country continues to enjoy temperatures well above the seasonal average, with highs reaching into the low to mid-20s Celsius.
According to the latest forecast, much of the UK will remain dry and bright through Saturday, with widespread sunshine and temperatures climbing above 20°C. Some regions, particularly eastern Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, and southern England, could see the mercury rise as high as 24°C, making Saturday one of the warmest days of the year so far.
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However, a shift in weather conditions is expected to begin late on Saturday night. The Met Office has indicated that a low-pressure system moving north from continental Europe will bring increased cloud cover to the southwest of the UK by the early hours of Sunday. This system carries the potential to trigger showers and isolated thunderstorms, particularly affecting southern and southwestern regions.
Dan Harris, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said:
“From Saturday night into Sunday morning, there is an increasing chance of rain, showers, and isolated thunderstorms moving northwards across the southwest of the UK. As we continue through Sunday and into Monday, these showers could become more widespread, with a heightened risk of intense thunderstorms in certain areas.”
The heaviest thunderstorms are likely to occur on Monday, especially in parts of Wales and southern England. These storms could be accompanied by heavy downpours, lightning, and gusty winds, posing a risk of localised disruption.
Despite the storm warnings, not all areas of the UK will be affected. Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland are expected to remain dry and warm throughout the period, with fine conditions continuing into next week. These regions may see temperatures steadily increasing, making it feel more like early summer than mid-spring.
The unsettled conditions in the south, however, could lead to temporary weather hazards. The Met Office has urged residents in the affected areas to stay informed and check local forecasts regularly, particularly those planning travel or outdoor activities on Sunday and Monday.
This mix of summer-like warmth and potential thunderstorms is not unusual for this time of year. As spring transitions into summer, fluctuating weather patterns driven by warmer air masses and developing low-pressure systems often bring sudden changes in conditions. Thunderstorms are more likely to form when warm, humid air is lifted rapidly into cooler layers of the atmosphere — a scenario expected across southern parts of the UK early next week.
Although no official weather warnings have yet been issued, the Met Office continues to monitor the developing system and may update its guidance over the weekend as the forecast becomes clearer.
For now, residents are advised to enjoy the remaining dry and sunny days while staying prepared for potential storms as the week begins. The Met Office will provide regular updates through its website and social media channels.
This article is originally published on: liverpoolecho
