Met Office issues thunderstorm warnings for England and Wales

The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms across large parts of England and Wales, urging residents in 73 areas to prepare for potential flash flooding, power cuts, and travel disruption. The warnings, which include major cities such as London, Manchester, Bristol, and Leeds, are in effect until 10 p.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026. A further 14 areas, including Hull and Norwich, are set to come under a separate warning starting at 5 p.m. on the same day. Forecasters have warned that some locations could see up to 75 millimeters of rain fall within a 12-hour period, accompanied by frequent lightning, hail, and strong, gusty winds.