- Heavy showers and thunderstorms hit large parts of the UK on Thursday, bringing the threat of flooding and travel disruption following a prolonged dry spell.
- The Met Office issued yellow warnings for thunderstorms in northern areas of England and Wales, with predictions of up to 50mm of rain falling within six hours in some areas.
- Rising river levels triggered a flood warning for Millingford Brook at Ashton in Makerfield, while flood alerts are in place in Crossens areas in West Lancashire, Lower River Wear, Middlesbrough Becka and Rivers Derwent, Team, Don and estuarine tributaries.
- Forecasters and officials have warned that the downpours will not immediately resolve the drought.
- A Met Office weather forecast for Thursday reads: “Frequent showers are expected, some being heavy and thundery with a risk of hail. The most intense showers are likely across parts of England and Wales, especially northern and central areas.”
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