Parts of Basingstoke and Deane are under a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and possible flooding — despite Hampshire remaining in drought and under hosepipe restrictions.
The Met Office has warned that intense downpours could bring up to 30mm of rain in under an hour in some places on Wednesday, raising the risk of sudden surface-water flooding, travel disruption, and difficult driving conditions.
The yellow weather warning covers parts of the Basingstoke and Deane area, with its southern boundary running close to the northern edge of Basingstoke.
Read more
-
Long dry spell ends as Basingstoke residents treated to dazzling double rainbow
-
Rain finally forecast for Basingstoke after nearly two months of dry weather
-
PHOTOS - Cliddesden field packed as crowds gathered to watch solar eclipse
-
PHOTOS - Residents share photos of the solar eclipse visible over Basingstoke
-
WATCH - Traffic at standstill as people abandon cars on way to solar eclipse event
Areas north and east of the town, including Tadley and communities towards Hook and Fleet, fall within the warning area, while Basingstoke itself appears to be outside the Met Office alert.
A band of heavy showers and thunderstorms is expected to move northwards during the morning.
A drier, brighter interlude may follow, but with a chance of further showers and thunderstorms breaking out during the afternoon.
Many places will miss these, but where they do occur they may be intense with 20-30mm rain falling in less than an hour and perhaps 40-50mm in two to three hours in a few spots, leading to some surface water flooding.
Large hail and frequent lightning are also possible.
The showers and thunderstorms will drift northwards and ease during the evening.
Despite Basingstoke itself sitting outside the yellow weather warning area, the town is forecast a warm but unsettled afternoon.
Temperatures are expected to rise from about 23C at noon to a high of 25C at 4pm, with a 30 to 50 per cent chance of rain between midday and 3pm.
The chance of showers is then forecast to fall to 10 per cent or lower through the evening, as temperatures dip from 24C at 6pm to around 19C by 10pm.
Winds are expected to remain light throughout, generally at 3 to 5mph.
The Met Office has advised people to prepare for potential flash flooding, travel disruptions, and power cuts.
They recommend checking road conditions and transport timetables, gathering essential items in case of a power cut, and finding safe shelter if caught outside during a thunderstorm.
The Met Office also advises staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area, as weather warnings can change quickly.
The yellow weather warning is in place until 9pm on Wednesday, August 26.
Share