The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms across London after a few days of scorching temperatures.
The warning advises of the chances of “isolated flooding and disruption” for the South East between 12pm and 11.59pm on Wednesday.
It states that spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures, with a “small chance” that some communities could be cut off by flooded roads.
It also warns of a “slight chance” of power cuts for homes and businesses.
The advisory adds: “There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health warnings for all areas of England, except the North East and North West, until Friday.
It warned that expected hot weather may have “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector across the South East and London, with minor effects elsewhere.
Here is the hour-by-hour forecast for today (Wednesday)
5am - Sunny intervals 19C
6am - Sunny intervals 19C
7am- Sunny intervals 19C
8am - Sunny intervals 20C
9am - Sunny intervals 22C
10am - Sunny intervals 23C
11am - Sunny intervals 24C
12pm - Sunny intervals 25C
1pm - Cloudy 25C
2pm - Cloudy 25C
3pm - Light shower 25C
4pm - Light shower 24C
5pm - Sunny intervals 24C
6pm - Sunny intervals 24C
7pm - Sunny intervals 23C
8pm - Sunny intervals 23C
9pm - Partly Cloudy 22C
10pm - Partly cloudy 21C
Here is the hour-by-hour for tomorrow (Thursday)
7am - Sunny intervals 19C
10am - Sunny intervals 22C
1pm - Heavy shower 26C
4pm - Light shower 27C
7pm - Sunny intervals 25C
10pm - Partly cloudy 22C
Forecast in full
Wednesday: Cloud will increase during the afternoon, turning the sunshine hazy at times. Feeling very hot in the sunny spells, but fresher along the east coast in a sea breeze. Maximum temperature 31 °C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Sunny spells and a risk of thunderstorms on Thursday. Dry and hot on Friday with increasing cloud. Fresher on Saturday after a spell of rain.
Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “There is a chance of some thundery outbreaks for some in the South and East from later on Wednesday, which will be the first signs of the UK’s transition to a more unsettled regime, with warnings issued to highlight potential impacts.”
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