Thunderstorms will sweep through Britain today as the Met Office warns of flooding and thunderstorms after the Goodwood Festival of Speed was canceled due to incoming weather.
While much of Europe suffers under a severe heatwave, the UK is bracing for thunderstorms in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, as well as strong winds on the south coast.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which will remain in place until 11pm tonight. They have warned of strong winds and rain in the south of England and Wales.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been canceled after a strong wind warning posed a ‘serious risk’, marking the first time the event has not run in its 30-year history.
The motorsports festival, held annually at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that strong winds could make the temporary structure unsafe.
Fans take shelter from the rain during the Vitality Blast T20 semi-final match at Edgbaston, Birmingham today.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms, which will remain in place until 11pm tonight. They warned of more strong winds and rain
People were caught in a downpour as they took part in the Cardboard Boat Race during the Bristol Harbor Festival in Bristol today.
The Met Office warned: ‘There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, resulting in longer journey times by car and bus. Train services may be delayed.
‘Some flooding of a few homes and businesses is possible, causing some damage to buildings or structures. A few buildings and structures are likely to suffer some damage due to lightning.’
Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to bring thunder and hail, with hourly totals of 15-20mm expected.
In some places even 30 mm is possible in just two to three hours.
Most of the heavy showers and thunderstorms will ease by the evening, they are likely to remain in the northwest of Scotland as well as the far south of Scotland and the far north of England.
Despite heavy rain warnings from the Met Office, the annual Cardboard Boat Race went ahead for the Bristol Harbor Festival, with people braving the rain in their self-made boats.
The people at Bristol Harbor Festival didn’t let the rain stop them today
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected in Northern Ireland today, with 15-25mm of rain falling within an hour and possibly even 40mm in some places.
Forecasters have issued a wind warning for the south of England and Wales.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: ‘Strong south-westerly winds will develop early on Friday, pushing further north across parts of Wales throughout the day.
Gusts of 35 to 45 mph are likely to be widespread at times, with gusts in excess of 50 mph affecting some coasts and hills, mainly across Cornwall and west Wales.
‘This is an unusual time of year for such strong winds and, with many people planning holidays or outdoor activities, they can cause some disruption.
‘Also, heavy rain can cause standing water and spray on the road and make driving difficult. Winds are expected to ease by evening.
‘Temperatures are expected to be near average or rather cold over the next few days, especially with rain and wind.’
The warning remains in place until 11.59pm tonight and states: ‘There may be some delays to road, rail, air and ferry transport. Some short-term loss of power and other services is possible.
‘Some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities are likely to be affected by spray and/or large waves. Delays may occur for high-sided vehicles on open routes and bridges.
Two women on London’s Oxford Street yesterday escaped the rain which will continue throughout July
The Goodwood Festival of Speed has been canceled after a severe wind warning posed a ‘serious risk’, marking the first time the event has not run in its 30-year history.
Elsewhere people enjoyed a break from the downpour today as they frolicked along the River Cam in Cambridge.
There may be some damage to trees or temporary structures such as marquees, tents and inflatables.’
Parts of the M4 in Wales have already been affected by flooding that left the road under water while a landslide caused by rain blocked a railway line between Merthyr Vale and Abercynon.
Forecasters said winds were expected to reach 40 mph, with gusts of 50 to 55 mph expected over mountains and in exposed areas along the south and east coasts.
According to the Met Office, there may be some minor impacts and disruption to travel before winds ease later today.
Sunday is expected to be less windy, but rain and showers will continue with a risk of thunder in the north of the UK, while further south will see a mix of sunny spells and rain.
There will be a mix of sunny spells and showers for the most part at the start of the working week. A few showers may be heavy with a risk of thunderstorms.
The motorsports festival, held annually at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that strong winds could make the temporary structure unsafe.
The event is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, with Saturday ticket holders unable to attend as the event is sold out.
A beach in Bournemouth was deserted yesterday as the UK experienced unrelenting rain
Bristol’s cardboard boats didn’t swim long during the heavy downpour today
Our unsettled theme of weather looks set to continue into next week, albeit with drier weather more on the way than recently in some areas.
The Met Office said some minor damage could be caused by ‘unreasonably strong winds’ hitting England today, urging: ‘So be aware and prepare for some disruption to outdoor events and travel.’
UK temperatures range from 14 degrees in Lerwick to 19 in London today (11am).
Organizers have canceled the Goodwood Festival of Speed for today due to high winds which could make temporary structures on the festival grounds unsafe.
Those with tickets were requested not to attempt to enter the site.
The event is expected to resume as planned on Sunday, with Saturday ticket holders unable to attend as the event is sold out.
Those who had tickets for Saturday’s show will be contacted about refunds in the coming days.
Festival organizers have also requested those planning to attend tomorrow’s event to inform any other ticket holders in their group of the cancellation.
Those camping over the weekend will be able to continue using campsites but are warned to use caution during high winds and consider taking down gazebos and canopies.
A backpack is an alternative to an umbrella when walking down rainy Oxford Street yesterday
A woman with an umbrella on the promenade in Bournemouth, Dorset, yesterday
Tents should be secured with additional poles or pitched above peak window periods to avoid any safety issues. Campsite managers will be on site to help those braving the storm.
A statement on the event’s website said: ‘It is with deep regret that we have decided that the Goodwood Festival of Speed will not take place tomorrow.
‘After consultation with meteorologists, health and safety experts and other key stakeholders, we have decided to close the event site due to a severe wind warning in the Goodwood area.
‘On-site safety is our top priority and the predicted high winds will pose a serious risk to various temporary structures across the site. We kindly ask that you do not travel to Goodwood or attempt to access the site.’
It added that the decision was ‘not taken lightly’ and that the Duke of Richmond, along with the entire Festival of Speed team, are ‘deeply saddened that the event will not go ahead for the first time in its 30-year history.
Another event, the three-day Isle of Wight Pride, was canceled due to hail and rain warnings.
Thousands were expected at the Rideau event, which ran from yesterday to Sunday and featured music, drag acts and a parade in the Eastern Gardens on the Esplanade.
The motorsports festival, held annually at Goodwood House in West Sussex, said in a statement that strong winds could make the temporary structure unsafe.
A woman uses her jacket to escape the incessant rain on Oxford Street in London yesterday
But the organizers said, ‘With heavy hearts, we have taken this decision due to safety concerns. We apologize for any inconvenience but safety is paramount.’
The first day of the Southsea Food Festival was also canceled by Portsmouth City Council for the same reason.
A spokesman said gusts could be strong enough to damage food stalls and stages and put people in danger. The event is expected to continue on Sunday.
Longleat in Wiltshire was also closed due to the weather. The Safari Park announced on Facebook: ‘Due to forecast high winds, Longlet will be closed on Saturday 15 July 2023.
‘We are truly sorry for any inconvenience and disappointment this may cause, but the safety of our guests, team and animals is of the utmost importance.
‘If you have booked a ticket for tomorrow, please check your inbox for more information. Group, accommodation and VIP bookings will be contacted directly.
‘Keep an eye out for more weather updates tomorrow Sunday 16th.’
The famous Tolpoodle Martyr Festival was also canceled at the last minute. The West Dorset site of the annual celebration, a favorite of Labor MP and former leader Jeremy Corbyn, was inaccessible due to heavy rain.
Not ideal weather for those heading to the women’s final today on day 13 of Wimbledon (pics from yesterday)
Up to 10,000 people were expected to attend this weekend’s event to hear music, entertainment and discussions and remember trade unionism.
The festival celebrates the legacy of the Tolpoodle Martyrs, when in 1834, six farm workers were sentenced to seven years of transportation to Australia for forming a union.
Organizers said in a statement: ‘Today, the organizers of the Tolpoodle Martyrs Festival have taken the extremely difficult decision to cancel the remainder of the festival program due to extremely inclement weather and in the interest of everyone’s safety.
‘Organisers have heeded a yellow weather warning from the Met Office and closed the site to all new entrants this morning. Access to the site is now impossible.
‘In the interest of clarity, although the weather is set to improve tomorrow, the remainder of the festival will not go ahead due to the logistical demands of safely resetting the site.’
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