Thunderstorms – the Met Office has warned of flooding and lightning strikes, and the Goodwood Festival of Speed has been canceled due to the approaching storms.
While much of Europe is experiencing a severe heatwave, the United Kingdom is preparing for approaching thunderstorms in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, as well as powerful gusts along the south coast.
Today until 11 p.m., the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for thunderstorms. In addition, they warned of heavy winds and precipitation in the south of England and Wales.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been canceled for the first time in its 30-year history due to a severe wind warning that posed a “serious risk.”
The annual motorsports festival held at Goodwood House in West Sussex stated in a statement that the high winds could make temporary structures hazardous.
The Met Office issued the following warning: “There is a good chance that spray, standing water, and/or hail will affect driving conditions, resulting in longer auto and bus travel times.” Train service delays are conceivable.
It is conceivable that a few residences and businesses will be flooded, causing some damage to buildings and structures. Lightning impacts will likely cause damage to a few buildings and structures.
The sporadic heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to produce lightning and hail, and an hour’s worth of precipitation is predicted to total 15-20 millimeters.
A few locations can receive 30mm of precipitation within two to three hours.
The majority of heavy showers and thunderstorms will dissipate by evening, although they may persist in the northwest of Scotland, the far south of Scotland, and the far north of England.
Today could bring torrential showers and thunderstorms to Northern Ireland, with 15 to 25 millimeters (mm) of rainfall in an hour and up to 40 millimeters (mm) in some locations.
In addition, forecasters issued a wind advisory for the south of England and Wales.
Chief Meteorologist of the Met Office, Paul Gundersen, stated, “Strong winds will develop in the South West on Friday morning, then push further north across parts of Wales throughout the day.”
‘For a time, winds of 35 to 45 mph are likely to be widespread, with gusts exceeding 50 mph affecting some coasts and slopes, primarily in Cornwall and west Wales.
This is an uncommon time of year for such strong winds, and with so many people on vacation or planning outdoor activities, they are likely to cause disruptions.
‘Additionally, torrential rain could cause stagnant water and spray on the roads, creating hazardous driving conditions. Evening winds are expected to gradually diminish.
In the coming days, temperatures are expected to remain near average or rather mild due to the rain and wind.
The warning is in effect until tonight at 11:59 p.m. and states, ‘Some delays are probable for road, rail, air, and ferry transportation. It is conceivable for power and other services to be interrupted temporarily.
‘Some coastal routes, seafronts, and coastal communities are likely to be affected by precipitation and/or large swells. Probability of delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed roads and bridges.
Some damage to trees and temporary structures such as tents, marquees, and inflatables is possible.
A portion of the M4 in Wales has already been submerged by inundation, and a landslide triggered by the rain has blocked the railway between Merthyr Vale and Abercynon.
Meteorologists predict that winds will reach 40 miles per hour, with gusts of 50 to 55 miles per hour expected in exposed areas such as over the highlands and along the south and east coasts.
According to the Met Office, there may be some minor impacts and travel disruptions before the winds subside later today.
Sunday is expected to be less gusty, but rain and showers will persist for the north of the United Kingdom, with a risk of thunder, while the south will see a mixture of sunny intervals and showers.
The majority of the country will experience a mixture of sunny periods and precipitation to begin the work week. Some of the rainfall may be intense, with the possibility of thunder.
The unpredictability of our weather is expected to persist through next week, albeit with more drier weather than in recent days in some areas.
The Met Office stated that some minor damage is possible due to the ‘unreasonably strong winds’ expected to strike England today, urging: ‘So take care and be prepared for some disruption to outdoor events and travel.’
Today (11am), temperatures in the United Kingdom range from 14 degrees in Lerwick to 19 degrees in London.
Today’s Goodwood Festival of Speed was canceled due to high winds that could have rendered temporary structures on the festival grounds hazardous.
Those with permits were strongly discouraged from attempting to enter the site.
Even though the event is expected to recommence as scheduled on Sunday, Saturday ticket holders will be unable to attend because the event is sold out.
Ticketholders for Saturday’s performance will receive communication in the coming days regarding a refund.
Those who had intended to attend tomorrow’s event were also urged to inform any other ticket holders in their group about the cancellations.
Weekend campers may continue to use the accommodations, but have been warned to be cautious during the high winds and to consider taking down their gazebos and awnings.
Tents should also be secured with additional stakes or dismantled during the high season to prevent any safety issues. Managers of the campground will be present to assist those braving the tempest.
A statement on the event’s website read, ‘With profound regret, we have decided that tomorrow’s Goodwood Festival of Speed will not take place.
“After consulting with meteorologists, health and safety experts, and other key stakeholders, we have decided to close the event site due to a severe wind warning in the Goodwood region.”
“Safety on-site is our top priority, and the forecasted high winds pose a grave threat to temporary structures across the site,” Please do not travel to Goodwood or attempt to gain access to the site.’
The statement added that the decision “had not been taken lightly” and that the Duke of Richmond, along with the entire Festival of Speed team, is “deeply saddened” that the event will not take place for the first time in its 30-year history.
The three-day Isle of Wight Pride event has been canceled due to forecasts of howling winds and pounding rain.
The event in Ryde, which ran from yesterday to Sunday and featured music, transgender performances, and a parade at Eastern Gardens on the Esplanade, was anticipated to attract tens of thousands of people.
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