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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Thunderstorm warnings spread to ALL of UK as Met Office says floods are a threat until Monday - while millions still face hosepipe ban
Thunderstorm warnings have spread to the entirety of the UK, with the Met Office declaring that floods will remain a threat for the country until Monday. Intense thunderstorms and torrential rain could cause flooding and even pose a danger to life in some areas, while there is also a risk of power cuts and a loss of services to homes and businesses due to damaged caused by floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. Yellow weather warnings have been issued for the south west of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, alongside in large parts of northern, eastern and southern England, and will remain in place until 9pm on Sunday. Millions of people across major towns and cities are set to be impacted by intense bouts of rainfall, including those in London, Brighton, Portsmouth, Chelmsford, St Albans and Cambridge. Some areas could see up to 75mm of rain in just a few hours, with heavy showers expected to continue until Wednesday. It follows an amber weather warning issued from 4am to 11am across London and the south East this morning amid fears that up to 4in (100mm) of rainfall could fall within hours - equivalent to more than a month's worth of rain. It marked the first amber warning issued for the capital in 18 months after Storm Henk battered England and Wales with strong winds in January 2024. Today's weather warnings follow the second major hosepipe ban coming into force yesterday, with restrictions activated by South East Water for 1.4million people across Kent and Sussex in Ashford, Canterbury, Eastbourne, Maidstone, Haywards Heath and Tunbridge Wells. One Londoner is seen taking extra precautions with both an umbrella and poncho in London on July 19 Then from Tuesday, Thames Water will bring in a ban for customers in Oxfordshire, Gloucestershire, most of Wiltshire and some parts of Berkshire - but not London. But meteorologists fear that the heavy rain will not make a major difference to the ground because surfaces are extremely dry and will therefore not absorb much water. Meanwhile, forecasters have warned that it could cause 'fast flowing or deep floodwater, causing a danger to life'. 'Torrential rain, with thunderstorms in places, could lead to some significant surface water flooding during Saturday morning,' the Met Office said. An ongoing deluge may also cause 'significant impacts' if it hits 'more urban areas'. Homes and businesses are likely to be battered by floods, and that flooding could happen quickly, with some communities at risk of being cut off if roads flood. Up to 27 flood alerts have been imposed across England by The Environment Agency. The Met Office added that the amber thunderstorm alert area 'includes London which is particularly susceptible to surface water issues during thunderstorms due to the high proportion of impermeable surfaces'. Forecasters said that within this area, 20 to 40mm of rain could fall in an hour, with up to 70mm to 100mm accumulating in just a few hours, adding: 'If these higher totals fall over urban areas, there could be notable impacts.' The persistent cloud and rain means that temperatures across the UK are expected to be relatively low, remaining mainly in the high teens to low 20s, though brighter spells in the south could potentially reach the mid to high 20s. The AA has urged drivers to prepare for disruption and take care on the roads, with the breakdown service stating that 'this amount of rain is well over a month's worth for a normal July' Homes and businesses are likely to be battered by floods, and that flooding could happen quickly, with some communities at risk of being cut off if roads flood With the storms set to cause 'disruption', the Met Office added: 'Areas of heavy rain with embedded thunderstorms will move north-westwards across a large swathe of central and eastern England through Friday night into Saturday. 'Rain will likely be torrential in places, bringing 20-30mm in less than an hour, with 60-90 mm in two to three hours possible in a few places.' Frequent lightning and localised surface water flooding are also possible. In Scotland, a yellow rain warning covers the eastern side from Aberdeen to the borders from 4pm on Saturday until noon on Sunday. 16 flood alerts have also been issued for most of the country by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency. There is also a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life for parts of the country including Cornwall and south-west Wales, central and east England. Chief Met Office meteorologist Andy Page warned that 'intense rainfall' is set to hit the UK, adding that the weekend is also 'expected to be busy on the roads' as more schools in England and Wales finish for the summer holidays. He said: 'A range of severe weather warnings have been issued, including an Amber warning covering southeast England and London. The intense rainfall could lead to surface water flooding as well as frequent lightning and hail too. 'The situation is evolving, and warnings may be changed or added. This weekend is expected to be busy on the roads as more schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, so it's important people keep up-to-date with the very latest forecast. 'There will be spells of more pleasant weather in parts of the UK through the weekend, with some sunny spells in between systems as they move through.' In the south west of England, some areas could see up to 50mm of rain in just a few hours, and up to 75mm for some areas. In central and east England up to 30mm of rain could fall in less than an hour and scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms may develop across Saturday afternoon. In Northern Ireland, from Derry down to Tyrone, scattered showers will turn heavier with the chance of a few thunderstorms and up to 20mm of rain in an hour in some places. Showers are expected to ease towards the evening. Scotland will see areas of heavy rain and isolated thunderstorms arriving from the south during Saturday afternoon. The AA has urged drivers to prepare for disruption and take care on the roads, with the breakdown service stating that 'this amount of rain is well over a month's worth for a normal July'. They added: 'As well as heavy rain, impacts from frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail are also likely. 'These storms could affect some of the popular holiday routes for early departures on this year's summer getaway. 'While localised flash flooding and the sudden appearance of surface water are the usual dangers associated with summer heavy rain, the potential for slippery road surfaces at junctions and roundabouts is a hidden menace.' National Rail also advised passengers to check the service before they travel and allow extra time for their journeys, with speed restrictions possible in affected areas. Downpours in London on July 17 as a person sits across the Thames from the London Eye They added that 'heavy rainfall can cause flooding that may result in tracks being underwater and embankments being damaged, which can lead to potential landslips'. Flooding can also impact points and signalling equipment, causing further delays. At Lord's Cricket Ground in London, the pitch has flooded, causing delays to the Women's One Day International England v India match. Taking to X to share the news of the delay, they said that the cut off time for the match will be 4.08pm, adding: 'Hopefully once weather improves, umpires will carry out pitch inspections throughout the day. We will endeavour to keep fans updated.' The weather is expected to remain unsettled on Sunday with showers or longer spells of rain, some of it heavy and thundery. But, certain parts of the UK are set to experience bouts of warm weather and brighter, drier spells throughout the weekend, particularly in the East and South East of England. Alex Burkill, meteorologist at the Met Office, warned that the high temperatures could become 'quite uncomfortable' in some parts of the country. He said: 'In the south and east, there is further chance of staying dry and some decent sunshine on offer. 'So there's a lot of heat around, high humidity as well, quite uncomfortable for some of us. 'As we go into the weekend, with the heat and the humidity, there's a fairly strong chance that we are going to see some heavy, thundery rain, feeding up from the south. Sunday, July 20, rainfall forecast across the UK That is likely to become pretty widespread across much of the country as we go through Saturday and into Sunday.' Unsettled conditions are forecast to last until next week before showers ease by Wednesday. Temperatures will be warm depending on the sunshine and conditions may settle by mid-week with showers still in the east. On July 11, South East Water announced its hosepipe ban as the ongoing dry weather and hot temperatures across England have resulted in record-breaking water demand. The firm said the ban means customers in Kent and Sussex will not be able to use hosepipes for activities such as watering gardens and washing cars, windows and patios, or filling swimming and paddling pools. Enforced from yesterday and until further notice, those who ignore the ban face fines of up to £1,000. But there was disbelief from some residents, including one who tweeted: 'Since I heard of a hosepipe ban in Kent a few days ago, I have passed no less than three underground pipes that appear to have broken, and water has been coming out, on main roads.' Another tweeted: 'Water leak on Batts Bridge Road, Uckfield. Water leak in London Road, Burgess Hill. And yet we are subject to a hosepipe ban. What a shambles.' In response, South East Water wrote: 'We understand it's frustrating to see leaks when there's a hosepipe ban. We're seeing record demand for drinking water in Kent and Sussex.' Rosie Duffield, the independent MP for Canterbury in Kent, said at the time of South East Water's announcement last week that a hosepipe ban had been 'inevitable' after supply issues had already impacted some areas. Monday's rainfall forecast across the UK People walk over the dry grass at Greenwich Park in South East London on Tuesday Clouds over Lincoln Cathedral on July 18 as thunderstorms are set to batter the UK this weekend Ernwood reservoir in Buxton pictured with very low water levels on July 16 She added: 'Alongside many residents, I am angry as to why this was not called earlier to help prevent the unacceptable shortages and disruption suffered by many in our area.' South East Water said in a statement last week: 'Demand for drinking water in Kent and Sussex has reached record levels since May – with the ongoing warm and dry weather, we're all using far more water than usual. 'This situation has left us with no choice but to restrict the use of hosepipes and sprinklers, so we can help our reservoirs and underground water storage recover. 'We also continue to monitor the situation in our Western region, where we serve customers in parts of Surrey, Hampshire and Berkshire.' Under the ban, customers will only be allowed to use a hosepipe when it is required for unavoidable health or safety reasons, for the welfare of animals – including fish – and if the hosepipe is not connected to mains water supply, according to the water company. It comes after all four UK nations experienced their warmest spring on record this year, with England experiencing its driest spring since 1893 and the driest start to the year since 1976. June also marked England's warmest on record, with average temperatures hitting a balmy 16.9°C - the highest recorded since the series began in 1884. Last month was also the second warmest on record for the UK, which saw an average temperature of 15.2°C. It comes after all four UK nations experienced their warmest spring on record this year, with England experiencing its driest spring since 1893 and the driest start to the year since 1976 Pictured: visitors and locals flocked to a packed Bournemouth Beach on July 13, 2025 June also marked England's warmest on record, with average temperatures hitting a balmy 16.9°C - the highest recorded since the series began in 1884. Pictured: a man jumps off a pier in Sandycove, Ireland, on July 13, 2025 Rainfall across England was also 20 per cent less than the long-term average for June, which was also the hottest on record for the country, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water, the Environment Agency has said. Pictured: Bournemouth on July 13, 2025 Read More Heatwave ends as heavy and thundery downpours bring cooler temperatures Across June, two heatwaves were confirmed across England and Wales - one in the third week of the month, and the second closing out the month. Rainfall across England was also 20 per cent less than the long-term average for June, with two heatwaves driving unusually high demand for water, the Environment Agency has said. Drought was declared in East and West Midlands on Tuesday, with the region joining swathes of northern England in drought status. Looking ahead, the UK is likely to see more frequent and intense heatwaves, according to the Met Office. Just last month, the Met Office's research showed that the chances of hitting 40°C are climbing at pace.
The Guardian
18 hours ago
- The Guardian
England's farmers to get new payments for cleaning up waterways on their land
Farmers in England will get new payments for cleaning up the waterways near their land, the environment secretary has said. Agricultural pollution affects 40% of Britain's lakes and rivers, as fertiliser and animal waste washes off the land into waterways. Speaking at the National Farmers' Union water summit at Beeston Hall farm in West Yorkshire, Steve Reed said his department would be launching changes to the sustainable farming incentive (SFI) scheme that replaced EU subsidies. The SFI, which pays farmers to look after the environment, was frozen this year in a surprise move. The scheme is expected to reopen next year. Reed said: 'We also have to work with the farming sector to tackle pollution from agriculture. We are looking at how we can reform SFI so that when it opens in the new year there will be more actions in there focused on cleaning up water, because that's in the interests of the country as a whole, but it's also in the interests of the farming sector. So we'll have more to say on that.' He is expected to launch these changes by the end of summer. The NFU announced it was starting a new programme that would work with scientists to help farmers measure the pollution in the waterways near their farms, so they could take steps to improve the water quality and see the progress. The summit was held on the NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos's farm. On her land, which is owned by Yorkshire Water, there are two reservoirs. Reed toured these and saw they were completely dry, which has raised concerns about water supply and food production in the area. Yorkshire was the first area of the UK to implement a hosepipe ban this summer. It is in drought after the driest spring on record. The NFU president, Tom Bradshaw, said farmers were having to deal with weather extremes due to climate breakdown. He added: 'I think that, rather than being extreme, that is now the reality that we're all having to deal with, and that as farmers, we've got to work out how we can mitigate the risk, how we can try and manage the situation so that we don't lurch from one catastrophic problem of not being able to plant out crops, then them flooding, or not having enough fodder because we haven't had the rainfall.' Reed suggested he might make it easier for farmers to build reservoirs on their land to hold water during dry conditions. He said planning had been 'too slow', adding: 'Farmers can't get on and build reservoirs that they need.' He said: 'Farmers get caught in the planning system. We've done work with the National Trust and RSPB where they are trusted partners and they don't have to apply for permission to dig ponds on their land anymore. We aren't quite there yet with farmers we are coproducing policy but something could look like that. 'There isn't just one answer – we need farmers to be able to have ready access to water and that involves many different actions we could take. That's why it's so important to have conversations like those we are having today.'
BBC News
19 hours ago
- BBC News
UK's costliest tornado in Birmingham 20 years on
It is 20 years since the UK was hit by the costliest tornado in modern times when violent winds thought to be in excess of 130mph (209 km/h) tore a path of destruction through Birmingham. It happened at 1.30pm on 28 July 2005, and while it only lasted ten minutes it caused more than £40m in damage. It was the strongest tornado experienced in the UK since 1954 and ripped roofs off buildings, flipped cars over and flattened trees along a seven mile (11km) path. Windspeeds are estimated from assessments of the damage left behind and according to TORRO (Tornado and Storm Research Organisation) this was a T5/T6 tornado on their scale with winds between 137-186mph (220-299 km/h. What made this tornado unique? Tornadoes are rapidly rotating columns of air that form beneath thunderclouds and stretch down to the Earth's surface. Most are small, weak, don't last long and don't cause much damage. The Birmingham tornado, however, was different - it was a very violent storm that we rarely see in the record breaking twister touched down to the south of the city in King's Heath and travelled north-eastwards across Wake Green, Moseley, Balsall Heath, Sparkhill and on towards Erdington. It's not just the strength and wreckage caused by the Birmingham tornado that makes it very unusual for the UK, but also its size, growing to 500m wide at its largest point. England's tornado world record The UK has around 30 tornadoes each year whilst the USA reports more than 1,200 on average over the same period. However, according to Guinness World Records, external England has the greatest density of tornadoes of any country. This is based on research by the University of Manchester which discovered that between 1980 and 2012 England had 2.2 tornadoes per 10,000km² (3861miles²). This compares to a figure of 1.3 for the USA. Size matters The reason behind this is simply that the USA is a vast country, 75 times bigger than England. It has large areas that seldom ever see tornadoes and it is this sheer size that acts to dilutes their density. Also tornadoes are only reported if they're actually seen by someone - this means population density is important too, and England has a high population density, with lots of eyes on the sky. In contrast the infamous 'Tornado Alley' in the US has a low population so it is likely that many tornadoes here go unseen and therefore the US state of Kansas were a country, it would have a tornado density of 4.5 per 10,000km² which is more than double the figure for England. The smallest country in the world is Vatican City - if there were ever to be a tornado recorded here, then that one storm would catapult it to the top of the tornado density league. So tornado density statistics can say about as much about the size of a country, as they tell us about the likelihood of seeing a twister. Tornado crosses M25 and shocks drivers
