Storm Betty: Hailstones and Humidity Alert

author: FutureCar Staff    

The UK is bracing itself for Storm Betty, which is set to bring large hailstones and humid conditions on Friday night, according to the Met Office. The south of England is predicted to see more than half a month's worth of rain, potentially leading to flooding, particularly in the east. In just six hours, some areas could experience 30mm to 40mm of rain, compared to the average August rainfall of 63mm in the south-east. Storm Betty is the second named storm of the month, and holidaymakers and commuters are being warned of the risk of heavy rainfall causing road closures and train cancellations.

Aidan McGivern, a Met Office meteorologist, has warned of "very lively thunderstorms" by midnight, with frequent lightning and large hailstones up to 20mm in size. The rest of the country can also expect rainstorms, accompanied by warmer summer temperatures. The combination of rain and humidity is expected to make for a muggy night, making it difficult for people to sleep comfortably. The Met Office states that although thunderstorms are often associated with winter, the end of summer is a classic time for intense storms that bring hail.

Graham Madge, a spokesman for the Met Office, explains that the thunderstorm risk in southern and eastern England is due to a humid air mass. Warmth and moisture are the key ingredients for thunderstorm development, and some areas are likely to experience intense storms with frequent lightning. Lightning strikes, intense hail, and heavy rainfall are all potential impacts of these systems. Rachel Ayers, another Met Office meteorologist, advises people to take caution while driving, as there may be longer journey times due to the weather conditions. However, Saturday is expected to bring brighter conditions, with temperatures reaching as high as 25C in the south east of England.

FutureCar Staff