A Met Office weather warning has been issued for Wales as heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to blanket the country. The yellow weather warning covers most of Wales, with thunderstorms and lightning predicted throughout the day on Sunday. The warning, initially issued on Saturday, August 31, has been extended until midnight on Sunday, September 1. Forecasts suggest up to 80mm of rain could fall within an hour in certain areas.
The Met Office has warned of the potential for heavy showers and thunderstorms moving north across England, into parts of Wales, and later into Scotland. While the extent of these thunderstorms remains uncertain, some areas may see significant rainfall, with the possibility of 30 to 40mm falling in less than an hour and up to 60-80mm in localized areas. Additional hazards such as frequent lightning strikes and hail are also expected.
Drivers are advised to be cautious as the heavy showers and thunderstorms could lead to challenging driving conditions, including spray and sudden flooding, which may result in road closures. The weather conditions may also cause delays or cancellations to train and bus services, with a slight chance of power cuts in some areas. There is a small risk of flooding in certain regions across Wales.
The areas covered by the weather warning include Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan, and Wrexham. Weather forecasts for Sunday, September 1, predict a warm and humid day with the possibility of heavy showers and thunderstorms in eastern areas, while other regions may experience dry conditions with sunny spells.
Monday, September 2, is expected to be cloudy and humid, with intermittent rain, particularly in the morning, potentially heavy and thundery in the east. Despite occasional showers, the afternoon might see drier spells. The rest of the week is forecasted to be changeable with showers at times, heaviest on Tuesday, and longer dry spells later in the week. Temperatures are expected to remain average for early September.
It is advisable for residents in Wales to stay updated on weather alerts and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the period of heavy showers and thunderstorms affecting the region.