Not much chance of sun today...

A snapshot of the wind and rain in Cheltenham today

No flood alerts today

The Environment Agency hasn’t issued any flood alerts for Gloucestershire today, but if you’re heading down south take care as there are alerts in place in Somerset.

08:49

M48 Severn Bridge closed westbound

The M48 Severn Bridge is closed westbound due to high winds.

The Main carriageway closed due to strong winds on M48 Severn Bridge Westbound at J1 A403 (Aust).All traffic is coming off, around the roundabout and then back on to the motorway to cross the bridge. This is in case the bridge needs to be closed quickly if the cross winds get worse.

08:48

Did you see this double rainbow over Gloucester yesterday?

This picture was sent in by Amanda Newman of the double rainbow over St Oswalds:

Double rainbow over St Oswalds (Image: Amanda Newman)

And Lucy Workman took this lovely picture of it:

Double rainbow (Image: Lucy Workman)

08:15

Yep, it's pretty windy out there

07:55

Yellow weather warning in force now

There is a yellow weather warning for wind and rain for between 3am and 3pm today.

What to expect

Spray and flooding on roads probably making journey times longer

Delays for high-sided vehicles on exposed routes and bridges are likely

It’s likely that some coastal routes, sea fronts and coastal communities will be affected by spray and/or large waves

Some short term loss of power and other services is possible

Damage to tents or other temporary structures is possible

The weather warning for Sunday (Image: Met Office)

17:50

Did anyone hear that thunder?

Lightening has been reported across Gloucestershire.

Lightening map (Image: www.lightningmaps.org)

17:44

Thunder and heavy rain hits Cheltenham

It’s back for the THIRD shower of the day. Close your windows.

14:37

The rain starts again

It’s raining again in Cheltenham - catching out shoppers

12:39

Flood alert removed

The Environment Agency has removed a flood alert for rivers in North Gloucestershire.

It said: “There is no longer a risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms throughout Saturday today in this area, some isolated showers may occur throughout the day.

“A band of rain is expected from early Sunday morning the 28 July onwards but currently we are not expecting this to result in flood alerts being issued.”

10:51

What does a flood alert mean?

A flood alert means flooding is possible - be prepared.

It is one under a flood warning - which means flooding is expected.

Here are some tips for driving in heavy rain:

09:46

Met Office: Yellow weather warning

A reminder of the yellow weather warning from the Met Office for the South West, covering parts of Gloucestershire:

The weather warning for Sunday (Image: Met Office)

“Outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds are expected on Sunday. Southerly winds will gust at around 35-40 mph and up to 50 mph for exposed coasts and hills. In addition to the wind, heavy rain is expected. Rain will be most persistent over hills with rainfall totals of 30-40 mm likely to build up and south facing slopes in parts of the Brecon Beacons and Dartmoor could see as much as 60-80 mm of rain. The weather conditions on Sunday will come in stark contrast to what has been typical recently, this may increase the chance of impacts.”

09:36

A map of the flood alert in place for the north of the county

The flood alert for July 28, 2018 (Image: Environment Agency)

09:32

Flood warning issued at 8am

A flood alert has been issued by the Environment Agency. It says:

Rivers in North Gloucestershire

Flooding is possible - be prepared

“This flood alert has been issued as a precautionary measure, as heavy rain and storms have been forecast for this area for this morning Saturday 28th July. There is uncertainty however, over the amount and location of the rainfall, any storms are likely to be very localised and many areas may remain dry.

Where these storms do occur there is a risk of localised surface water flooding and flooding from smaller faster responding rivers , flooding of low lying land can be expected. We urge you to remain vigilant and avoid walking and driving through flood water.

We are monitoring rainfall and river levels and are checking rivers for blockages. We will update this message on Saturday by 4:00 pm or as the situation changes. You can monitor your local weather conditions and river levels on the GOV.UK website. Sunday’s forecast is for cooler temperatures and further heavy rainfall.”

09:13

'Stark contrast'

The period of scorching sunshine has well and truly crashed to a halt.

A Met Office spokesman said: “The weather conditions on Sunday will come in stark contrast to what has been typical recently. This may increase the chance of impacts.

“Outbreaks of heavy rain and strong winds are expected on Sunday.

“Southerly winds will gust at around 35 to 40 mph and up to 50mph for exposed coasts and hills.

“In addition to the wind, heavy rain is expected. Rain will be most persistent over hills with rainfall totals of 30 to 40mm likely to build up.”

09:12

The weekend weather in full

The Met Office told us there was a chance of sporadic rain throughout today in Gloucestershire, including an 80 per cent chance of heavy rain at 10am.

It turned out the downpours started a lot earlier, at around 8am.

The day as a whole is expected to be largely cloudy with sunny intervals, and highs of 19 degrees.

Heavy rain is almost certain from early on Sunday morning until 1pm. There is a chance of rain throughout the rest of day.

Winds are likely to reach 24mph - though this could be much higher in exposed areas - and temperatures 22 degrees.