Tornado-like funnel clouds were observed over Berkshire and Gloucestershire as parts of the United Kingdom received heavy rainfall, prompting flood alerts and warnings across the Midlands and Southeast. The Met Office confirmed conditions were "ideal" for such formations, although no tornadoes have been officially reported.
One storm chaser suggested that a tornado is likely to form on UK soil in the near future, noting that some funnel clouds exhibited "broad circulation trying to spin up."
The wet weather has led to significant disruptions, particularly in Birmingham, where homes and businesses were inundated with up to 3 feet of water. The Environment Agency issued 42 flood alerts and one flood warning for the River Maun in Nottinghamshire. Lichfield, Staffordshire, recorded 52.8mm of rain in a few hours, making it the wettest place in Britain. Drayton Manor theme park closed due to the adverse weather and flooding.
This deluge follows a period of prolonged heatwaves, with drought declared in three-quarters of England and Wales. Despite the heavy rain, some areas reached temperatures of up to 28C (82F).
The forecast for the Bank Holiday weekend indicates continued unsettled weather for much of England and Wales, with 10-30mm of rain expected, potentially reaching 50mm in some areas, particularly in the west. While some southern regions might see sunshine, northeastern areas are likely to experience more rain. The outlook for the following week suggests a continuation of unsettled conditions with showers and potential for strong winds.
Looking further ahead, warmer and drier weather, with the possibility of heat spells, is anticipated later in September, especially in the South.
The disruptive weather is expected to coincide with a significant increase in travel. The RAC anticipates 20 million car journeys between Friday and Monday, the highest number since 2015, warning of substantial traffic. Rail services are also set for disruption, with engineering works and strike action affecting multiple key routes, including the West Coast, East Coast Main Line, and East Midlands Railway.