Thunderstorms will sweep Britain today as Met Office warns of floods and lightning strikes

Thunderstorms will sweep through Britain today as the Met Office warns of floods and lightning strikes after the Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled due to the incoming weather. 

While many parts of Europe are suffering under a severe heatwave, the UK is preparing for incoming thunderstorms in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England as well as strong winds on the south coast.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which is in place until 11pm today. They further warned of strong winds and rain in the south of England and Wales. 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled after a severe wind warning posing a ‘serious risk’, making it the first time the event will not run in its 30-year history.

The motorsports festival, which takes place each year at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that the strong winds could make temporary structures unsafe. 

The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been cancelled after a severe wind warning posing a ‘serious risk’, making it the first time the event will not run in its 30 year history

The Met Office has issues a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which is in place until 11pm today. They further warned of strong winds and rain

Two women on Oxford Street, London sheltered from the rain yesterday which is set to continue throughout July

The Met Office warned: ‘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. Delays to train services are possible.

‘Some flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures. There will probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes.’

The scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms will likely bring lightening and hail, while rainfall is also expected to total 15-20mm in one hour. 

For a few places even 30mm are possible within just two to three hours.

Most heavy showers and thunderstorms will ease through the evening, would they may linger in areas in the northwest of Scotland as well as far south of Scotland and far north of England.

Northern Ireland could see heavy showers and thunderstorms today, with 15-25mm rainfall within an hour and potentially even 40mm in some places. 

Forecasters also issued a warning for wind for the south of England and Wales. 

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Paul Gundersen, said: ‘Strong winds will develop across the South West early on Friday, pushing further north across parts of Wales through the day. 

‘Gusts of 35 to 45 mph are likely quite widely for a time, with gusts over 50 mph affecting some coasts and hills, mainly across Cornwall and west Wales. 

‘This is an unusual time of year for such strong winds and, with many people on holiday or planning outdoor activities, they are likely to cause some disruption. 

‘In addition, heavy rain could lead to standing water and spray on roads and consequently difficult driving conditions. Winds are expected to ease through the evening.

‘Temperatures are expected to stay near average or rather cool over the coming days especially in the rain and wind.’

The warning is in place until 11.59pm tonight and states: ‘Some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport are likely. Some short term loss of power and other services is possible.

The motorsports festival, which takes place each year at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that the strong winds could make temporary structures unsafe

‘It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves. Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges likely.

‘Some damage to trees or temporary structures such as marquees, tents & inflatables, could occur.’

Parts of the M4 in Wales have already been hit by flooding which left the road underwater while a landslide caused by the rain has blocked a railway between Merthyr Vale and Abercynon. 

Meteorologists said that winds are expected to reach 40mph, with 50 to 55mph winds expected in exposed places such as over the hills and along the south and east coasts. 

There may be some minor impacts and travel disruption before the winds ease later today, according to the Met Office.

Sunday is expected to be less windy, but rain and showers will continue for the north of the UK with a risk of thunder, while further south will see a mix of sunny spells and showers.

There will be a mix of sunny spells and showers for most parts for the start of the working week. Some of the showers could be heavy with a risk of thunder. 

While the event is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, Saturday ticket holders will not be able to attend as the event is completely sold out 

A beach in Bournemouth was deserted yesterday as the UK continues to experience relentless showers

The unsettled theme to our weather looks set to continue through next week, although with more in the way of dry weather than recently for some parts.

The Met Office said due to the ‘unreasonably strong winds’ likely bashing England today, there is some minor damage possible, urging: ‘So take care and be prepared for some disruption to outdoor events and travel.’

Temperatures in the UK range from 14 degrees in Lerwick to 19 in London today (11am). 

Organisers cancelled the Goodwood Festival of Speed for today due to the severe winds which could make temporary structures on the festival grounds unsafe. 

Those with tickets were urged not to attempt to access the site.

While the event is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, Saturday ticket holders will not be able to attend as the event is completely sold out. 

Those who had tickets for Saturday’s show will receive communication over the coming days with regards to a refund. 

The festival organisers also urged those who planned on attending tomorrow’s event to let any other ticket holders in  their group know about the cancellations.

Those who are camping over the weekend are able to continue to use the campsites but were warned to be careful during the high winds and to consider taking down gazebos and awnings.

A backpack is the alternative to an umbrella for one man as he walks down rainy Oxford Street yesterday

A woman with an umbrella on the promenade in Bournemouth, Dorset, yesterday

Tents should also be secured with additional pegs or demounted the peak window period to avoid any safety issues. Campsite managers will be on site to help those braving the storm. 

A statement on the event’s website read: ‘It is with deep regret that we have taken the decision that the Goodwood Festival of Speed will not go ahead tomorrow. 

‘After consulting meteorologists, health and safety experts and other key stakeholders, we have taken the decision to close the event site due to a severe wind warning in the Goodwood area.

‘On-site safety is our highest priority and the forecasted high winds will pose a serious risk to various temporary structures across the site. We politely ask that you do not travel to Goodwood or attempt to access the site.’

It added that the decision ‘had not been made lightly’ and that the Duke of Richmond, along with the whole Festival of Speed team, is ‘deeply saddened that the event will not run for the first time in its 30 year history. 

Another event, the three-day Isle of Wight Pride, has been cancelled because of the warnings of howling gales and driving rain.

Thousands were expected at the event in Ryde, running from yesterday until Sunday and featuring music, drag acts and a parade at Eastern Gardens on the Esplanade.

The motorsports festival, which takes place each year at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that the strong winds could make temporary structures unsafe

A woman on Oxford Street, London uses her jacket to shelter from the relentless rain yesterday

But organisers said ‘With a heavy heart, we have taken this decision due to safety concerns. We apologise for any inconvenience but safety is of paramount importance.’ 

The first day of the Southsea Food Festival today has also been cancelled for the same reason by Portsmouth City Council.

A spokesperson said gusts could be strong enough to damage food stalls and the stage, and endanger people. It is hoped the event will run on Sunday.

Longleat in Wiltshire has also closed due to the weather. The Safari park announced on Facebook: ‘Due to the high winds forecast, Longleat will be closed on Saturday 15th July 2023.

‘We’re really sorry for any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause, but the safety of our guests, team and animals is absolutely paramount.

‘If you have a ticket booked for tomorrow, please check your inbox for further information. Group, accommodation and VIP bookings will be contacted directly.

‘Keep an eye out tomorrow for further weather updates for Sunday 16th.’

The famous Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival has also been cancelled at the last minute. The west Dorset site of the annual celebration, a favourite of Labour MPs and former leader Jeremy Corbyn, is inaccessible following heavy rain.

Not the ideal weather conditions for those attending day 13 of Wimbledon to watch the women’s final today (picture from yesterday)

Up to 10,000 people were due to attend this weekend’s event to listen to music, entertainment and talks and commemorate trade unionism.

The festival celebrates the legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs, when in 1834, six farm workers were sentenced to seven years’ transportation to Australia for forming a union.

The organisers said in a statement: ‘Today, organisers of the Tolpuddle Martyrs’ Festival have made the very difficult decision to cancel the remaining festival programme because of the extreme adverse weather conditions, and in the interests of everybody’s safety.

‘Organisers have heeded yellow weather warnings from the Met Office and have this morning closed the site to all new entrants. Access to the site is now impossible.

‘In the interests of clarity, even though the weather is set to improve tomorrow, the rest of the festival will not be going ahead due to the logistical demands of safely resetting the site.’