WINDS OF CHANGE
UK could be hit by tornado, Met Office warns as thunderstorms & heavy rain bring end to dry spell – check areas at risk
The UK could see rainy weather through the Bank Holiday Weekend
THE MET Office has forecast heavy rain and thunderstorms that could even see a brief tornado hitting the UK.
Following a period of sunny spells over the last few weeks, Brits can now expect to see a turn in the weather.
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With heavy showers in the south today, the Met Office has said there's a risk of thunder and lightning.
But there's also a possibility of short-lived funnel clouds or even a brief tornado.
On Wednesday, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said: “Bit of a north-south split in our weather through today – northern parts having a lot of fine, sunny weather, meanwhile in the south we’ve seen some wet weather push its way in.
"There will be further showery bursts to come as we go through the rest of today.”
He added: "It’s not out of the question that we could see a funnel cloud, maybe even a brief tornado across parts of the South East."
This comes as beachgoers were recently stunned by a sudden twister in Pembrokeshire, Wales.
The viral clip shared on Instagram showed towels, bags and sunhats swept up into the air as the narrow funnel whipped through the beach.
While such occurrences are rare they do happen with a dust devil spotted in Manchester city centre just last week.
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Brits woke up to downpours on Wednesday morning as forecasters warn a turn in the weather coming in over the weekend.
The rainy weather will gradually spread across the nation on Saturday and Sunday with Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing both sunshine and showers.
This will largely be scattered showers but some storms may develop across northwest England and southwest Scotland.
The south of England and Wales may see more rain and showers today but other areas are expected to enjoy fine weather.
Thursday and Friday will see more sunshine, particularly in the west.
However, Thursday and Friday may also experience unseasonably cold nights with possibilities of isolated frost.
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This follows the driest start to the season in nearly six decades.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway explained: “The high pressure that has been around for the last few weeks will slowly lose its grip on the UK this week, bringing a change to more unsettled conditions with many areas seeing rain or showers, ending the prolonged dry spell.
“The change comes this weekend, with weather systems moving in from the Atlantic, arriving from the west probably later on Friday and through Saturday.
"They will bring with them spells of rain, which may be heavy at times, with a risk of strong winds in places.
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"These conditions will gradually spread across the UK on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing sunshine and showers.
“So, whilst the Bank Holiday won't be a complete washout, with some sunshine expected, this weekend represents a notable shift from the fine and settled weather pattern that has dominated so far this month.”
The UK's 5-day forecast
Wednesday:
Organised rain or showers across parts of southern England and Wales, with the odd thunderstorm possible. Other areas will continue to enjoy predominantly fine weather.
Thursday and Friday:
Some unseasonably cold nights, with some isolated frost possible.
The UK will see spells of rain with a risk of strong winds.
Saturday, Sunday and Monday:
The bad weather will gradually spread across the country on Saturday, with Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday likely seeing both sunshine and showers.
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