UK flash floods disrupt travel, Manchester City parade delayed

Torrential rain and thunderstorms swept across parts of the UK on Monday, causing flash floods and travel disruptions. North-west London experienced significant flooding, while Manchester City’s victory parade was delayed by 30 minutes due to lightning. Though official weather warnings for Monday have passed, Northern Ireland and Scotland face two storm warnings on Tuesday.

Yellow storm warnings, indicating possible disruption, will be in effect for much of Northern Ireland and western Scotland from 12:00pm to 9:00pm. BBC Weather meteorologist Stav Danaos reported that intense downpours occurred in the Midlands, with Woburn in Bedfordshire receiving 26.4mm of rain in just one hour on Monday afternoon. Tuesday is expected to be drier and more settled, with sunshine and isolated showers primarily in western regions. Later in the week, temperatures are predicted to be less humid.

While it is difficult to link specific weather events to climate change, experts agree that extreme weather is becoming more frequent and intense due to human-induced climate change. Drumnadrochit, on the western shore of Loch Ness in the Scottish Highlands, saw 32.4mm of rain in one hour, followed by another 10.6mm in the next hour. Meanwhile, other areas in Scotland experienced the hottest day of the year so far, with Threave in Dumfries and Galloway reaching 30.1C.

Approximately 7,500 lightning strikes were recorded nationwide, with more anticipated. Despite weather-related delays, thousands of Manchester City fans filled the city centre streets for the open-top parade celebrating the club’s Treble. Players, including star striker Erling Haaland, appeared unfazed by the rain, proudly displaying their silverware. Former City goalkeeper Shay Given described the experience on BBC Radio 5 Live as having “rain, hailstones and wind – four seasons in one hour.”

Luton and Dunstable Hospital in Bedfordshire urged people to attend its emergency department only for life-threatening illnesses and injuries due to localised flooding. Heavy rain also caused flash flooding in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Travel disruptions were widespread, with thunderstorms in southern England on Sunday leading to flight cancellations and further cancellations on Monday as planes were out of position. London Heathrow also reported some cancellations.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber alert for hot weather until 9:00am Tuesday in the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, South East, and South West, indicating that high temperatures could affect all age groups and impact the health service. London Mayor Sadiq Khan also issued a high air pollution alert for Tuesday, the second of the year, due to high temperatures and pollution from Europe. He encouraged people to avoid unnecessary car journeys and opt for walking, cycling, or using public transport instead.