Spanish plume set to unleash ‘rain bomb’ – Britain braces for May meltdown

Simply while you thought it was protected to depart the brolly at residence, Britain’s climate is gearing up for one thing distinctive. A so-called “rain bomb” is locked, loaded and set to go off on Sunday, Could 18, soaking almost the whole UK in a 24-hour drenching.

What’s hitting the fan on Could 18?

Following a uncommon run of dry, settled spring days, the climate is flipping the script — and the skies — with a full-on meteorological tantrum. Most areas throughout England, Wales, Northern Eire and Scotland will obtain 1 to 5mm of rain, with main cities like Manchester, Birmingham, Norwich, Cardiff and Plymouth firmly within the splash zone. 

For now, WXCharts’ precipitation maps paint an image of Britain underneath siege, with ominous blues and purples sweeping throughout the nation. Solely seven counties (but to be named formally) are anticipated to remain dry — the remainder? Rained on, rained by, and rained out.

The rain follows what the Met Workplace described as a peaceful spell attributable to a high-pressure system between Could 8 and Could 17. However in basic British style, the nice climate’s known as in sick. 

Suncream in a single hand, umbrella within the different

It’s a story of two forecasts. Whereas there’s nonetheless hope for warmer-than-average temperatures throughout sunny spells, forecasters are warning of risky spring situations — assume sudden heavy rain, remoted, however doubtlessly critical thunderstorms.

In case you’re planning a marriage, out of doors occasion, or simply hoping to mow the garden on the 18th… possibly maintain that thought.

Spanish plumes: Is the UK storming in the direction of extra violent climate?

So what’s behind this sudden flip? Consultants say Britain may be in for greater, badder thunderstorms within the years forward. Whereas we don’t get the identical scale of boom-and-flash storms because the US, Britain nonetheless cops between 200,000 and 300,000 lightning strikes a 12 months. And with rising world temperatures, that quantity may develop into an entire lot extra dramatic.

The Met Workplace warns that ‘hotter, wetter winters and warmer, drier summers’ may result in extra extreme storms — no more frequent, essentially, however extra intense after they do hit.

One huge issue? The “Spanish plume” – a climate occasion the place sizzling air from the Iberian Peninsula barrels up into the UK, mixing with cooler air to create unstable, storm-friendly situations. It’s the climate equal of blending vodka with Pink Bull. You will remorse it.

What really causes thunderstorms?

• Thunderstorms type when heat, moist air rises quickly, creating towering cumulonimbus clouds.
• Inside these clouds, ice particles and hail collide and create electrical cost imbalances.
• As soon as that imbalance will get too huge — zap! — we get lightning.
• That flash heats the air to a fiery 30,000°C — hotter than the floor of the solar — which causes an explosive enlargement, producing the rumble we name thunder.

9 Storm survival tricks to keep protected

With Could’s temper swings kicking off and long-term traits suggesting extra highly effective storms, it pays to know your dos and don’ts. Right here’s what the Met Workplace recommends:

3 Earlier than the storm:

1. Verify forecasts and climate warnings.
2. Unplug non-essential electronics (a lightning bolt can fry your laptop computer sooner than a dodgy socket).
3. Tie down backyard furnishings if doable and put your wheelie bin someplace protected.

3 Through the storm:

1. Keep indoors or in a automotive with a metallic roof.
2. Don’t contact plumbing, landline telephones, or metallic objects if doable.
3. In case you’re caught outdoors on flat floor, crouch low.

3 After the storm:

1. Keep away from downed energy traces — and name them in if you happen to see them.
2. Verify your property for injury.
3. Be a hero — test in on neighbours, particularly anybody you assume may be susceptible.

And if you happen to’re driving?

Provided that you should. Gradual down, hold headlights on, and keep away from flooded roads — simply 30cm of water can float your automotive. And if lightning’s cracking close by? Keep in your automobile. It’s safer than operating for canopy like a headless hen.

Thunder information to blow your socks off

• Lightning strikes Earth 1.4 billion occasions a 12 months — that’s 44 occasions a second.
• A lightning bolt is only some centimetres vast, however can stretch for miles.
• It might assist crops develop by turning nitrogen within the air into fertiliser. Who knew lightning had a inexperienced thumb?
• Helicopters can really set off lightning — because of the static cost they construct up close to storm clouds.

Don’t be caught out

Whether or not it’s a Spanish plume or a British bloom of doom, Could is shaping up to be a stormy, soggy, unpredictable experience.

Mark your calendar: Sunday, Could 18.

Keep protected, keep dry.

Keep tuned for extra UK information.

Get extra climate information.