By Emeka Blast 
UK Braces for Thunderstorms Amid Yellow Weather Alerts
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms and heavy rain across swathes of the United Kingdom, effective from 12:00 BST today, Friday, July 18, through to 23:59 BST on Sunday, July 20, 2025. The warnings span southeast England, the Midlands, East Anglia, northern England, and parts of Scotland, with forecasts predicting up to 80mm of rain in some areas within hours, raising risks of flash flooding, power cuts, and travel disruptions.
Senior meteorologist Amy Bokota warned of “intense downpours, frequent lightning, and gusty winds up to 55mph,” particularly in southeast England, including London, Hampshire, and Surrey, where storms are expected to peak this afternoon. Northern England, including Manchester and Leeds, faces a separate warning for Saturday, with 40-60mm of rain possible in under three hours. Scotland’s southeast, including Edinburgh, is under alert for Sunday, with potential for large hail and localized flooding. The Environment Agency has issued 12 flood alerts, with the River Test and River Itchen in Hampshire at particular risk due to already low water levels.
The stormy weather follows England’s driest spring since 1976, exacerbating concerns for areas under hosepipe bans, such as Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, where Southern Water has urged continued conservation despite the rainfall. National Rail warned of delays on major routes, including London to Brighton and Manchester to Sheffield, while the RAC advised drivers to avoid flooded roads and maintain extra stopping distances. The Met Office noted that climate change is driving more extreme weather, with warmer air increasing rainfall intensity.
Social media reactions on X range from frustration over disrupted weekend plans to cautious optimism about easing water shortages. One user quipped, “London’s getting a month’s rain in a day—time to build an ark!” Farmers in East Anglia expressed concerns about crop damage, particularly to wheat and barley, due to sudden deluges on parched soil.
