Huge Solar Storm Set to Supercharge Northern Lights
Get ready for a spectacular show in the night sky! A massive solar storm is heading towards Earth, and it could give people across the UK a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, also known as the northern lights. With clear skies expected, even those in southern England and Wales might be able to catch a glimpse of this stunning natural phenomenon. According to Krista Hammond, the Met Office space weather manager, Friday night is the best chance for sightings, although visibility may persist through Saturday night. Northern parts of the UK are most likely to have the best viewing potential.
Warning: Solar Storm May Disrupt Electronics and Power Grids
The US’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a severe geomagnetic storm watch, the first since January 2005. This “unusual” solar storm has the potential to disrupt electronic devices like GPS and power grids. The storm, caused by a series of solar flares releasing large volumes of plasma on the sun, could take up to two hours to reach its peak strength. Experts are concerned that the storm could have harmful effects on living creatures on Earth, and there are even warnings that it may “wipe out the internet” in some areas. The Energy Networks Association, which represents the UK’s electricity networks, is closely monitoring the space weather forecast.
Thunderstorms Expected to Wash Away Glorious Sunshine
While the sky above may be ablaze with the northern lights, down here on Earth, we can expect a change in the weather. After a week of glorious sunshine and record-breaking temperatures, thunderstorms are predicted to roll in on Sunday. London’s St James’s Park recorded the highest temperature of the year so far, reaching 24.6C. And it’s only going to get hotter! The South East could see highs of 26C on Saturday, with temperatures potentially rising to 27C on Sunday. However, along with the heat, there is also the possibility of intense rainfall. So, enjoy the sunshine while it lasts, but be prepared for some stormy weather ahead.
Weather warnings for thunderstorms are in place for this Sunday. Two yellow weather warnings have been issued – one for western parts of Northern Ireland from 11am until 7pm, and the other covering a large part of England and Wales from 12pm until 10pm.
According to meteorologist Mr. Dixon, these thunderstorms could cause travel disruption and heavy rainfall. There is a possibility of intense downpours, with the potential for up to 30mm of rain in less than an hour or 40-50mm over a couple of hours. This could result in surface water issues.
Looking ahead to next week, the weather is expected to remain unsettled in the UK, with frequent rain forecasted for the early part of the week.
