Forecasters said some areas could see 50mm of rain in several hours and driving conditions could be affected by spray, standing water and even hail. This could mean longer journey times for motorists and bus passengers, and there may also be delays to rail services. Power outages, flooding and lightning are possible, and some buildings may be damaged. The warning is in effect from midnight tonight until 3pm on Thursday. On its website, the Met Office wrote: “Outbreaks of heavy rain are likely to develop and move across east and south-east England from the early hours of Thursday. “10-20mm of rain is possible over a fairly large area, but with some integrated storms, some areas are likely to see 30 to 40mm in two to three hours and perhaps 50mm or more over six hours.” He added: “Lightning will be an additional risk. The area of rain is expected to move away from the south-west before clearing over the North Sea on Thursday afternoon.” Forecasters have also warned that there needs to be a period of above-average rainfall to alleviate the drought. So far this month, the UK as a whole has only had 46% of the average total rainfall for August, according to the Met Office. Much of the country has seen even drier conditions – with only 35% of the total expected rainfall for the month so far in England, 34% in Wales and 39% in Northern Ireland. And in southern England, it was just 29% of the month’s average from 1991 to 2020.
