Met Office says heavy rain and sudden flooding could occur in affected areas and cause transport disruption

Thunderstorm warnings have been issued by the Met Office across England and Wales for Saturday afternoon and continuing into the evening.

A yellow weather warning is in place between 1pm and 8pm, covering large parts of Wales and south-west England.

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© Photograph: Kathy deWitt/Alamy

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© Photograph: Kathy deWitt/Alamy

Scientists say storms like those that battered Houston could become more intense as the planet warms, though pinning down trends is still challenging.

© David J. Phillip/Associated Press

The best weather conditions for viewing the colorful light display will be in much of the West while New England was “a question mark,” a forecaster said.

© Blake Benard/Getty Images

The Space Weather Prediction Center said solar activity would be high again on Saturday.

© Olivier Morin/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

On Thursday, May 9, 2024, the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Watch -- its first since January 2005. Coinciding with a new moon, aurorae should be visible (weather permitting) much further than typical. The Northern/Western-specific current predictions from NOAO show the view line extending below 40 degrees Northern latitude.

On the flip side, strong solar storms (notably the Carrington Event of 1859) can cause significant disruptions here on Earth. A previous, weaker storm caused 40 SpaceX satellites to deorbit, so, while Canadians will have an excellent show this weekend, they should also wear a hard hat.

The number of tornadoes so far in the United States this year is just above average. But their distribution is changing.

© Ronald W. Erdrich/The Abilene Reporter-News, via Associated Press

As record heat enveloped the nation, the rate of emergency room visits increased compared with the previous five years, a sign of the major health risks of high temperatures.

© Matt York/Associated Press

A recent study found that cumulus clouds, the small cotton ball-like ones typical for a sunny day, can dissipate once an eclipse begins. But if the skies are overcast, your view could still be obstructed.

© Madeline Cass for The New York Times

Across parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada, would-be eclipse-gazers are on the move for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

© Todd Heisler/The New York Times