UK weather: Potential danger to life as parts of UK could see a months worth of rain in two hours, forecasters warn

Heavy showers may cause rapid flooding and travel disruption, Met Office says

Forecasters have warned of a potential danger to life as parts of the UK could see almost a month’s worth of rain in the space of two hours.

A thunderstorm warning for much of Scotland and northern England which is in force until 9pm on Thursday has been issued by the Met Office.

Heavy showers may cause rapid flooding and travel disruption, with forecasters warning it is possible that ”fast-flowing or deep flood waters” could become life-threatening.

Meteorologist Emma Smith said up to 30mm of rain could fall in one hour on Thursday, while 50mm could fall in between two and three hours.

The average rainfall for the UK as a whole in July is 70mm, while the July average for England is between 55mm and 56mm – meaning that almost a month’s worth of rain could deluge the country in just hours on Thursday.

The yellow thunderstorm alert from the Met Office warns there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater and lightning strikes.

In places where there is flooding or lightning strikes, there is a chance of delays and cancellations to train and bus services.

Forecasters have also warned of difficult driving conditions, some road closures and power cuts.

Scotland’s environment protection agency had 11 flood alerts in place.

However, the sun is expected to make something of a return with bright spells predicted for much of the UK over the weekend.

Forecasters said they expected bright or sunny spells on Saturday with scattered showers in central and southeastern parts of the UK.

Skies will be more cloudy near the North Sea coast, while Sunday will be largely dry, the Met Office said.