Yellow warning of thunderstorm affecting London & South East England

Met Office sent this bulletin at 18-07-2025 10:55 AM BST
 
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Yellow warning for London & South East England
Thunderstorm
Between 21:00 (UTC+1) on Fri 18 Jul 2025 and 23:59 (UTC+1) on Fri 18 Jul 2025

Headline

Scattered showers and a few thunderstorms may cause some impacts later on Friday evening

What to expect

  • There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
  • Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes
  • Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures
  • Delays to train services are possible
  • Some short term loss of power and other services is likely

What should I do?

Issued: 10:52 (UTC+1) on Fri 18 Jul 2025

Further Details

Scattered heavy showers and a few thunderstorms will develop later on Friday evening, moving northwards from the English Channel into parts of southeast England. Whilst not all areas will see these during this period, there is scope for rainfall accumulations of 20-30 mm in some places by midnight, perhaps higher in isolated locations. More widespread heavy rain, torrential in places, is anticipated during the early hours of Saturday, covered by a separate warning.

What Should I Do?

Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.

People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It’s easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.

If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.

Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area.

View full warning details and map view

Regions and local authorities affected

East of England

  • Cambridgeshire
  • Essex
  • Hertfordshire
  • Southend-on-Sea
  • Suffolk
  • Thurrock

London & South East England

  • Bracknell Forest
  • Brighton and Hove
  • Buckinghamshire
  • East Sussex
  • Greater London
  • Hampshire
  • Kent
  • Medway
  • Portsmouth
  • Slough
  • Surrey
  • West Sussex
  • Windsor and Maidenhead