UK weather forecast: Met Office stays indoors amid ‘huge cluster’ of storms

People out walking later tonight have been advised to reconsider their plans and stay indoors as a “huge cluster” of thunderstorms is set to hit the south with warnings of lightning

The Met Office has warned people in the South to stay indoors if possible tonight as a “huge cluster” of thunderstorms threaten to batter the region.

Far from Friday’s high of 32C, the forecaster has issued a rare lightning warning as a cold front moves south from the north.

The storms are currently in the southwest but could move to the southeast later in the night.

People are also being warned to stay away from power lines or exposed areas that could be at risk of lightning strikes.

Meteorologist Beck Mitchell: “It felt like summer was just beginning, but it’s cooler now.

“Many places in the UK have seen a temperature drop of around 10 to 15 degrees in some places which is massive.

“We have a huge cluster of thunderstorms in the south west of England, there is a chance we will see some in the south east later tonight.”

“If you do any outdoor activities, go indoors if you can – that’s really the best advice.”

“Keep away from power lines or similar things that could potentially be struck by lightning.

“If you are in an exposed location, stay close to the ground and away from anything that might conduct lightning.”

Lightning warnings have only been issued three times, most recently in 2019.

Mercury rose to 33C in parts of the south-east on Friday due to hot air moving north from Iberia, and saw hot temperatures across much of Britain.

Sunday outlook will be bright with sun rays for most locations at some point during the day, especially later.

There is a chance of showers developing – mainly in the south – which can be heavy and thundery on the south coast of England.

In the evening it will be mostly dry, fresh north-west winds are expected.

Mid-30s temperatures will not return for the immediate future, although the mercury could hit the mid-20s in time for next week’s Glastonbury Festival.

Ms Mitchell added: “It looks like the start of Glastonbury, particularly Wednesday or Thursday, is likely to be dry, hot and sunny

“It’s probably pretty good weather for anyone pitching their tent.

“As we head into the weekend from Friday it looks like we could see more rain showers, probably some sunshine and some rain showers.”

While Friday’s maximum temperature was 32.7C, Saturday’s highest was 27C in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, and there were showers in many places, with the Met Office issuing a yellow warning for south-west England as lightning and strong rain approached.