What's happened
The UK is under severe thunderstorm warnings as the Met Office predicts up to three inches of rain today, September 2, 2024. Heavy showers may lead to flash flooding, travel disruptions, and power outages across several regions, particularly in the East Midlands and North England.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the Met Office has warned of heavy showers with potential rainfall of 30 to 40mm in less than an hour, particularly affecting central and eastern parts of the UK. Marco Petagna, a senior operational meteorologist, emphasized the risk of flooding and travel delays, stating, "There’s a risk of heavy showers, which could be thundery in places." The Guardian echoed these concerns, noting that the yellow warning covers most of England and parts of Wales and Scotland, highlighting the potential for flash flooding and travel disruptions. Both sources agree on the severity of the weather conditions and the likelihood of significant rainfall today.
How we got here
The yellow weather warning was issued over the weekend due to low pressure over the UK, leading to forecasts of heavy rain and thunderstorms. This warning remains in effect until midnight on September 2, 2024.
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The Meteorological Office, abbreviated as the Met Office is the United Kingdom's national weather service. It is an executive agency and trading fund of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy led by CEO Penelope Endersby, who took on
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.