The temperatures may be climbing, but the UK is set to see seven days of heavy rain and potential thunderstorms to accompany.
While yesterday brought with it some clear skies, temperatures in the mid teens, and the warmest day recorded since 31st March, it was only for a fleeting moment as the heavy rain that we saw last week is set to stick around for the next seven days – and bring the chance of thunderstorms and flooding risks along with it.
Weather charts show up that up to 57mm of rain will fall between Monday and Sunday this week.
According to the Met Office, Monday will see a mixture of sunshine and showers up and down the country to get the working week underway, which is likely to continue through to Wednesday.
The Met Office’s outlook for Monday to Wednesday says: “Generally unsettled with a mixture of sunny spells and showers, as well as some more prolonged periods of rain.
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“Some heavy bursts likely at times with a risk of thunderstorms”.
And then, when it comes to the long range forecast from 13th-22nd May across the UK, the Met Office said: “Cloudy on Thursday starting with outbreaks of rain and showers, especially in the southwest of the UK.
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“Showers are expected to become more widespread during the day, with these heavy and potentially thundery for the south.
“The breeziest conditions expected in the far northwest.
“Remaining showery for the rest of the week with the chance of a brief settled spell from the west into Friday.
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“The unsettled theme then continues through the remainder of this period, with longer spells of rain and showers in between, the clearest conditions are most likely in the north.
“It’s likely to be breezy at times – especially around coastal areas, where gales may occur.
“Temperatures will be near to or slightly below average, though with the formation of overnight frosts becoming unlikely”.
You can find more forecasts via the Met Office website here.
Featured Image – Instagram / @mariapage
UK News
Manchester firefighter surprises partner with proposal during new recruits parade
Danny Jones
We’re a sucker for a wholesome little video as we know you are, which is exactly why we thought of you lot when we came across this video of a newly graduated Manchester firefighter surprising his partner with a heartwarming proposal.
Just the kind of heartwarming that usually sets us off after a long week at work.
The clip shared by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) on Thursday, 25 April, shows Manc fireman James popping the question to his girlfriend sat unassumingly in the audience at a recent passing out ceremony.
Pass out ceremonies are when trainees go from recruits to fully qualified firefighters after completing their intensive operational training. It’s a long-standing tradition in the emergency services where friends and family gather to celebrate their achievements – it’s almost like it’s the perfect opportunity…
As you can see, since the graduates are usually the centre of attention, James couldn’t help but size his moment and instead of walking and lining up normally like everyone else, he decided to head straight over to his wife-to-be and get down on one knee.
You already know the rest.
Welling up immediately and barely able to remove her hands from her face, Melissa nods and says yes as the crowd cheers and the pair share a smooch.
Writing on social media, the GMFRS said: “We managed to capture a VERY special moment at our new recruits pass out parade today… Congratulations to James and Melissa!”, adding, “Certainly one way to start your new career”.
If we don’t see all the groomsmen dressed as firefighters on a random viral video sometime soon we’re going to be gutted.
All the best to the happy couple and if you’ve got any more lovely clips like this to send in so we can make ourselves cry (in a good way), you know what to do.
Featured Images — Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
UK News
Tailgaters and middle lane hoggers warned to change their ‘dangerous’ driving style
Emily Sergeant
A warning has been issued to tailgaters and motorway middle lane hoggers urging them to change their ‘dangerous’ driving style.
Do you find yourself guilty of two of the biggest driving sins from time to time?
Well, according to the latest figures released by National Highways, one in three motorists have admitted to middle lane hogging in their lives, while one in four have committed acts of tailgating on some of the UK’s fastest roads.
These shocking survey findings – which were released back in early March as the Government-owned road management company launched a new campaign – showed that lane hogging was among the behaviours that are most likely to cause motorists and passengers to feel ‘frustrated’, and tailgating was most likely to cause feelings of unease, stress, and anxiety.
Nearly a third (32%) of drivers admitted to lane hogging ‘at least occasionally’ while driving on England’s motorways and major A roads, according to the survey – which polled 2,500 adults between the ages of 16-75.
On top of this, almost seven in ten adults in England (67%) said close following or tailgating is a ‘serious problem’ on these types of roads, but nearly a quarter (23%) admitted to doing it from time to time.
Tut-tut.
It’s these very statistics which have led National Highways to issue an urgent warning that calls on these motorists to “carefully consider” their driving habits, as “little changes can change everything”.
Lane hogging and tailgating both fall under the offence of ‘careless driving’ in England, with the country’s police forces having the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points to those who commit such offences.
“Middle lane hogging and tailgating are far more than mere annoyances for drivers,” warned RAC road safety spokesperson, Rod Dennis, adding that these actions “put everyone on the roads at risk.”
He continued in his reaction to the release of the latest National Highways figures: “Closely following another motorist could easily result in a serious collision should the driver ahead need to brake sharply for any reason, so the fact nearly one in four drivers admitted to doing so on some of England’s fastest and busiest roads is frightening”.
Mr Dennis said he understands that offenders “might find these habits hard to kick”, but that’s why the urgent calls for motorists to make changes are “so important”.
“By understanding that how we choose to drive affects others, we can each make a real difference to the safety of our roads,” he concluded.