Severe thunderstorms to hit southern UK due to France vortex
Met Office warns of thundery rain in southern England this weekend
A “cut-off vortex” originating from France will bring severe thunderstorms to parts of the UK, according to the Met Office. On Tuesday, the Met Office released a detailed forecast video on YouTube, explaining that “thundery rain” will impact regions of southern England, such as Hampshire and Dorset, on Sunday morning. Additionally, Ventusky forecasters predict that over 8mm of rain will fall within a few hours later in the day across Devon. The Met Office describes this band of low pressure as an “upper vortex” moving northwest over south Wales and gradually weakening.
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern stated in the YouTube video, “We’ve got this upper vortex, this upper area of low pressure over the continent to the south of the UK, and that could start to nudge northwards, bringing some humid and potentially thundery weather from the south.”
He noted the uncertainty due to varying computer model predictions. Should this occur, showers may affect the south during the second half of the weekend, possibly bringing thunderstorms and a more humid atmosphere.
McGivern’s analysis aligns with the long-term forecast on the Met Office’s website. For the period of Sunday, September 1 to Tuesday, September 10, the site indicates that weak frontal systems might bring cloud and occasional rain, particularly in northwestern areas. There is also a chance of heavy thundery showers and increased humidity in the south.
Temperatures are expected to drop in southern regions during the early part of this period. On Sunday, parts of Devon and Cornwall may not see temperatures exceeding 20°C, and Essex will only reach highs of 21°C, down from 23.8°C recorded on Monday. Forecasters predict it will stay cooler into the following week. An easterly wind, strongest on Thursday, will further mark the onset of autumn.
This unsettled weather follows a brief period of summer warmth, with temperatures feeling close to 30°C in the coming days due to a high-pressure system before the vortex’s arrival. The warmest areas at the end of this week include Wiltshire and Somerset, according to weather maps.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Express.co.uk reports that Storm Jorge is forecast to bring strong winds up to 70mph, with Met Office warnings in place until Sunday.(read more)
- Met Office UK Weather Warnings provide detailed forecasts for rain, wind, snow, ice, fog, thunderstorms, lightning, and extreme heat. Red warnings signify severe and potentially life-threatening weather, while amber and yellow warnings indicate varying levels of disruption and risk.(read more)
- National Weather Service provides insight into the polar vortex, explaining it as a large area of low pressure and cold air surrounding the poles, which weakens in summer and strengthens in winter, often leading to cold air outbreaks in the northern hemisphere, including the United States and Europe.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is a cut-off vortex?
A cut-off vortex is an upper area of low pressure, leading to unsettled weather like thunderstorms.
Which areas in the UK will experience thunderstorms?
Southern England, including Hampshire, Dorset, and potentially Devon.
How much rain is expected in Devon?
More than 8mm of rain is expected in just a few hours.
What are the temperature expectations for early September?
Temperatures will fall, struggling to exceed 20C in parts of Devon and Cornwall, and 21C in Essex.
Will there be any warm weather before the vortex arrives?
Yes, temperatures will feel around 30C due to a band of high pressure before the vortex arrives.
