Tornado warning issued for six areas of the UK as hail and strong winds forecast

Six areas of the UK have been issued a tornado warning as forecasters predict hail and lightning strikes could be seen this afternoon and evening.

Winds reaching speeds of up to 50mph could sweep through parts of the UK later today amid turbulent conditions which may bring hailstones around 1cm in diameter along with intense rainfall.

Satellite imagery shows storm clouds gathering over the Atlantic, which look set to head towards the southwest of England before sweeping across the country.

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The Tornado and Storm Research Organisation (TORRO) has highlighted that isolated tornadoes could form within these intensifying winds, particularly in parts of central and southern England, reports the Mirror.

Their latest forecast reads: "A shortwave trough will move ENE this afternoon/evening, accompanied by areas of showery rain, some convective in nature. One or more small-scale circulations (mesolows) may evolve, although model guidance differs somewhat on the exact morphology.

"Gusty winds, hail (perhaps up to 1cm diameter), and occasional CG lightning may accompany the stronger cores. Additionally, isolated tornadoes are possible, especially if any mesolows form. Any such mesolows would produce a more focussed risk corridor for gusty winds and occasional tornadoes."

The areas covered by the warning are: South West England; Central South England; South East England; South Midlands; parts of East Anglia; and the Channel Islands.

The Met Office says a wet front is expected to move eastward throughout the day, bringing with it robust winds and making for a blustery day overall. Spells of sunshine are anticipated amid the downpours, and its shaping up to be quite mild for this time of year, with temperatures potentially peaking at 18C.

Tornadoes are intensely rotating columns of air connected to a storm cloud, typically observed as a condensation funnel. These powerful twisters form under certain conditions, primarily influenced by high speeds of circulating winds that pose significant hazards to people and property on the ground and in the air.

The outlook from Monday remains somewhat grim, with more rain predicted alongside a plunge in temperature.

The Met Office's long-range forecast says: "As we move into the new working week, Monday and Tuesday bring a mixture of sunshine and showers, the heaviest and most frequent in the west, with conditions drier in the east. Unsettled conditions likely to persist for the remainder of the week with the potential for disruptive rain and wind."