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When to go to Cambodia

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is during dry season, which runs from October to April. The wet season runs from May until September, with the heaviest rainfall generally in August & September. Average temperatures range from 24°C in the cooler months of October, November & December to 35°C at the hottest time of the year from March until June.

Cambodia weather & when to go

Pick a month below.

Weather seasons are becoming less predictable but peak visitor months remain more certain.

Unfollow the herd - avoid the peak months to enjoy fewer crowds, better availability, often lusher countryside and help to spread the economic benefits of tourism.

Weather overview

Cambodia is blessed with one of Asia's simpler weather systems. The country has two distinct weather seasons, but you can travel in Cambodia all year round.

In general, the entire country is subject to the same weather patterns, mainly due to the relatively uniform altitude and latitude throughout Cambodia.

Cambodia weather and seasons

There are two distinct seasons – dry (October to late April) and wet (May to late September). Within each season there are variations in temperature, with the final few dry months leading up to the wet season (March and April) and the early months of the wet season (May and June) usually being the hottest of the year with temperatures in excess of 35°C at times.

Humidity is at its highest during March and April whilst the coolest months of the year tend to be between October and December, however this is cool for Cambodia but far from chilly with average temperatures hovering around 24°C-26°C.

The Dry Season in Cambodia

October - april/early may.

Cambodia's dry season lasts from October to April, when the dry north-east monsoon arrives, characterised by hot wind blowing across the entire country. Whilst November to January are quite cool (high 20°C's), by April the weather is scorching making early morning and late afternoon Angkor Temple tours, with a few hours by the hotel pool at lunchtime, the preference for many.

Thanks to the hot weather this is unsurprisingly the season when Cambodia's tourist numbers peak. 

In more remote parts, such as the north east regions of Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri , the roads are at their best and journey times are shorter because of this. Kep and Sihanoukville on the south coast are popular during this season as they bask in the brilliant sunshine and sea conditions are very favourable.

The Wet Season in Cambodia

Early/mid may - october.

Cambodia's wet season comes courtesy of the southwest monsoon and lasts from May to October, bringing with it almost 75% of Cambodia's annual rainfall. Across Cambodia, throughout much of the rainy season, daytime temperatures average between 25°C and 27°C. The early months of the wet season (May – July) remain very hot with infrequent rainfall usually in the form of short downpours. In the latter months (late July – September) the rain tends to becomes more constant and is heavy at times, especially in coastal and rural regions.

Travel in the more remote corners of the country, such as Mondulkiri & Ratanakiri, is almost impossible due to the state of the roads and journeys into the north east are inadvisable during the peak wet season because of this. There is also very limited access to Bamboo Island (near Kep) due to high seas.

Why travel to Cambodia during green season?

On the upside, travelling in monsoonal Cambodia does have its advantages. The dust is gone and the lush greenery of the countryside returns. Angkor Wat in particular is stunning in the wet season, with moats brimming with water and a severe drop in visitor numbers. High rainfall make it the perfect time of year to visit the flooded forests and floating villages of Tonle Sap Lake by boat, as it swells to more than 5 times its size during wet season. 

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Cambodia Weather: General Information & Best Time to Visit

Cambodia Weather: General information & Best Time to Visit

Cambodia Weather Overview. When is the best time to visit Cambodia? What will the weather in Cambodia like when I come? These questions are always top concern from any traveler before visiting Cambodia. To help all visitors to understand better about the destination, Cambodia Travel provide information regarding Cambodia weather so you can figure out the best time of year to visit the country that works out for your plan!

Cambodia has the simpler weather system in Southeast Asia with two distinct seasons: dry and wet season.

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Cambodia Climate

Cambodia temperature, cool & dry season, hot & dry season, hot & wet season, cool & wet season, best time to visit cambodia.

Located in the tropical zone in Southeast Asia, Cambodia’s climate is governed by the annual monsoon cycle with two major seasons: dry and wet seasons. The cyclic air pressure changes over central Asia is the driven factor of monsoon cycle. During the summer months (from June to October), the pressure drops and moist air from the ocean is drawn landward, which brings the southwest monsoon rains to Cambodia and almost Southeast Asia. Heavy rains and high humidity caused by strong prevailing winds are the main characteristics of this wet season.

Wet season in Cambodia is characterized by heavy rains and high humidity.

From the early November, the southwest monsoon withdraws in the north Cambodia and disappears in center-south between the middle and late November. From this moment until May, Cambodia experiences a rainless dry season because the air pressure over central Asia rises and brings cool dry air back across this region. In dry season, northeast monsoon with lighter and drier winds bring variable cloudiness, infrequent precipitation and lower humidity.

Generally, the whole Cambodia experiences the same weather patterns because the altitude and latitude throughout the country are relative uniform. No matter dry or wet seasons, temperatures are high throughout the year. Temperatures are in excess of 35°C, or even 40°C at times in March and April – the hottest months of the year, as well as the early months of the wet season. November, December and January are the coolest months of the year in Cambodia. However, these cool time in Cambodia is still far from chilly with average temperatures hovering around 24°C-26°C.

Cambodia’s south coast is popular to visit during dry season with brilliant sunshine.

The annual rainfall varies considerably throughout the country. For example, in a typical year, the central lowland region receives about 1,300 to 1,800 mm (51 to 70 inches) of rainfall. Whereas, the precipitation exceeds 2,000 mm (80 inches) in the southwest region, towards the coast of the Gulf of Thailand. Highlands and mountainous areas, like Cardamom Mountains, receive up to 5,000 mm (197 inches) of rain per year, and even experience some afternoon showers before the monsoon season (from February to April).

Typhoons can occur in Cambodia but they are quite rare. They are weakened when hitting Cambodia because they pass to Vietnam and release their energy over the coasts of Vietnam. These typhoons can bring heavy rains, which can cause flooding in Cambodia in between late July and September.

Seasons in Cambodia

November to February is ideal time to explore Angkor Temples.

November to February is considered as the cool and dry season in Cambodia. The average temperature in daytime is around 20°C and sometimes dropping below 20 at night time. In early November, the occasional short showers in the early morning are expected but rainfall significantly decreases as the month progresses then completely stops by mid-November. December and January are characterized by sunny weather, low humidity and relatively cool temperatures (avg temp: 26 °C) across the country. The weather in February is still pleasant, but temperatures tend to rise by the end of the month.

Tourists beat the heat of summer at the waterfalls in Cambodia.

Cambodia heats up steadily from March to May with average temperatures of 35°C. Throughout these months, the chances of rain are almost non-existent. Therefore, water levels in rivers and lakes are very low, which makes river cruising much more difficult and waste more travel time. April is the hottest month of the year in Cambodia. Its mid-day temperatures can hover in the mid to upper 40°C, especially in inland areas like Siem Reap. Very hot, dry weather is the norm across the entire country.

The terrain dusty with little vegetation due to lack of rains for several months. During this time of year, it is less windy, the sun can be quite intense and the air becomes hazier with the rising humidity. Latter part of May can welcome short lived rainfall from the odd tropical storm.

By August rainfall is almost at its peak, but comes in short and intense forms, rather than all-day downpours.

Hot season continues from June to August but monsoon rains can be expected throughout the country. During these months, temperatures are still high (avg temp: 28°C) and humidity can reach 70% but the appearance of short showers helps to eliminate the humidity and make the days a little more comfortable. Good news is that the monsoon rains are fairly predictable. These rains often occur in the afternoon or at night, and last no more than a couple of hours so sightseeing activities can easily be plan around.  

However, there is difference about pattern of monsoon rains in Cambodia’s south coast beaches, where experience the heaviest downpours. As the season progresses, the rains are more frequent and may last for several days by August.  

Tourists enjoy strolling around Angkor Temples in cool and dry season.

Late August and September are the peak period of rainfalls. Even occurring in short and intense forms, these rain showers bring cooler air than previous months. In September, the average temperature is a comfortable 26-27°C and slowly drop through the following months. Thanks to short and heavy downpours, the countryside is more lush and green, and water levels on the Tonle Sap Lake drastically increase, making the lake swollen to more than 5 times its size at this time of year.

On the other hand, the heavy rains in September make travelling to rural north-east regions, such as Ratanakiri and Mondulkiri, rather difficult because remote tracks can become unpassable. In October, the frequency of rainfall drops off considerably, and completely stops by the end of this month. The country is nearly back to its best time of the year with plenty of color in the countryside.

Tourists should wear natural fabrics e.g. linen and cotton clothing when visiting a tropical country like Cambodia.

The best and ideal time to visit Cambodia goes from November to February , when Cambodia weather is at its coolest, driest and sunniest period. Consequently, that is also when Cambodia’s tourist numbers peak and travelling cost tends to increase. If traveling during these months, tourists are highly recommended to reserve travel services as early as possible to avoid fully booked situations.

During November – April, Cambodia experiences comfortable conditions with brilliant sunshine and extremely low chance of raining. Beach and island lovers surely have difficulty in finding the beach destinations because the south coast offers many pristine white sand coastlines and islands, such as Sihanouk Ville – Koh Rong – Koh Rong Samloem .

In north east regions of Cambodia, journey time to Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri is shorter thanks to good road conditions in dry season. Sunny daytimes and cooler temperatures make adventure activities like trekking into jungles or interact with wildlife in these places are much more pleasant.

Enjoy breakfast at Nature Lodge in Mondulkiri.

Coming to hot and dry season from March to May (average temperatures of 35°C), tourists are recommended to take early morning or late afternoon tours rather than all day visits to Angkor Temples . And short break at the hotel’s swimming pool or at air-condition restaurants or tourist venues at midday are also good recommendations. On the other hand, the summer heat somehow helps to lower the crowd numbers at the main temples in specific time of the day.

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Many travelers try to avoid visiting Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries in monsoon season because they are afraid that rains will spoilt their holidays. Actually, wet season is not as bad as the label implies because it depends on what you want to do in these countries. And sometimes, tourist numbers may be taken into consideration rather than the weather factor.

Visitors can still come to Cambodia during monsoon season when the dust is gone and the countryside returns to its lush greenery thanks to downpours. The iconic tourism site – Angkor Temples , gets a severe decrease in visitor numbers. In some extends, these spectacular temples are more stunning in wet season with fully watered moats surrounding, which provides perfect chances to snap shots of temple reflections in the water. Rainy season is also the perfect time of the year to visit floating villages in Tonle Sap Lake by boat.

In hot and dry season, tourists are recommended to take short break at the hotel’s swimming pool at midday to avoid summer heat.

During wet season, the lake swells to six or seven times its normal size of approximately 2,600 square kilometres. Practically speaking, rain doesn’t last all of the time or even every day during the rainy season. It comes in short form in the afternoon or night time and lasts a couple of hours, making it easy to plan around in most cases. At the beginning and by the end of the season the rains occur with far less frequency.

On the downside, heavy rainfalls make travelling to north east regions ( Kratie , Mondulkiri , Ratanakiri ) and southern coastal destinations ( Sihanouk Ville , Kampot , Kep ) fairly difficult. “Off the beaten path” travel should be avoided, particularly in August. Remote tracks can become unpassable due to flooding of road system there. For those who are planning some relaxing days on the beach should forget Cambodia’s south coast during these months.

To sum up, each weather type in Cambodia has its own strength and advantages which can probably surprise you when exploring the whole country. You can make up your mind on travelling time, depending on what type of weather you love, what you want to do, and how much (or how little) you’re into crowds. Contact Cambodia Travel today to get a free help regarding useful travel advisory and the most suitable itineraries!

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I am going to Cambodia &Vietnam in October is that a rainy season or a nice time

Dear friends,

Me and my wife are plannig to travel to Cambodia in the month of February 2023 and we would like to make private excursiones in the Kratie, Battambang and Tonle Seap Lake áreas.

I am interested in knowing the Real Cambodia, not the tourist one, and thus be able to photograph their People and its landscapes.

I would lite to receive your proposals.

Kind regards Jose

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The best time to visit Cambodia spans from November to April. This period promises minimal rainfall and clear, blue skies, perfect for basking in the tranquillity of Cambodia's southern coast. However, it’s good to know that there is really no wrong time to visit. Cambodia is warm all year, but it has a monsoon climate that creates two distinct seasons, rainy and dry. However, the dry period is split into two, hot and cool. Although the temperature is hot all year round.

• Highlights weather in Cambodia
• Best time to visit: November to early April marks the dry season, featuring cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for exploring. Temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
• Consider the Crowds : Peak season means more tourists but also vibrant city life and full services. Off-peak seasons offer a quieter, more intimate experience with nature and local life. 
• Rainy season : The rainy season (May to October) offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds, suitable for those looking for serene beauty and better deals on travel.
• When's the best time to visit Cambodia

Best month to visit Cambodia

When is the rainy season in cambodia, when is the best time to visit angkor wat, tailor-made travel itineraries for cambodia, created by local experts.

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When's the best time to visit Cambodia

The best time to visit Cambodia is from November to April. Temperatures in this period typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This season offers dry weather and clear skies, ideal for exploring the southern coast and other attractions.

The weather is hot all year round, but peaks in March and May when temperatures can reach around 32°C and above. In December and January , the weather is dry, but the temperatures are slightly cooler - it’s usually expected to be approximately 25°C - 30°C (77F - 86F) at this time of year. 

The cooler part of the season between November and February is the peak time for tourism. Mild enough to explore temples in comfort but warm enough to sunbathe by the coast.

May to October brings around 75% of the countries annual rainfall. The rainy season is humid, and temperatures will still be high.

Bayon temple in Angkor Thom, Cambodia © Shutterstock

Are you looking for the best month to visit Cambodia? Here’s our month by month guide. It will give you a good idea of the climate and how this might affect your travel plans.

January: Best for temples, markets, and museums visits

January , typically the coldest month in Cambodia, still boasts warm temperatures of 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). The slight dip in temperature makes it more comfortable to explore cities like Siem Reap , Phnom Penh and Battambang . The reduced humidity facilitates easier visits to temples, markets, and museums. Since this is among the best times to visit Cambodia, expect more crowded conditions. Early booking for accommodation is advised due to the high demand.

February: Best for jungle adventure

February's slightly lower temperatures still make for comfortable travel conditions across the country. Whether you're looking to explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, or lush jungles, this time provides an excellent backdrop for your adventures. Accommodation prices remain high, and popular sites can be crowded, so advance booking is recommended.

March: Best for Angkor Wat exploration

The temperatures increase between March and May. In March, the heat begins to intensify across Cambodia, with temperatures climbing over 30°C (86°F) in some areas. This month marks the beginning of the warmer season, transitioning away from the cooler, more comfortable weather of the preceding months. Despite the rising temperatures, March still offers a relatively moderate climate compared to the peak heat of April and May. If you want to visit the Temples of Angkor , explore the colourful markets or trek in the jungle, it can be the best time to do so.

‘Silver Pagoda’ or Temple of the Emerald Buddha at the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh © Shutterstock

April: Best for festive atmosphere

In April , temperatures in Phnom Penh and Angkor Wat can be as high as mid 30 to 40°C. The rainy season is starting, but there is a moderate rainfall compared to the extremely wet months of September and October. Kep and Kampot are popular at this time of year.

The Khmer New Year spans across three days in mid-April. In the capital Phnom Penh , most major attractions, museums and restaurants close during the celebration as Cambodians return to provinces to celebrate with family. Siem Reap usually has events taking place too. In the countryside, families celebrate as they reunite. It’s one of the busiest celebrations of the year, so you’ll need to book accommodation early.

May: Best for lazy days on the beach

You can be sure of sunshine and heat in the southern islands, which is perfect for lazy days on the beach and water activities. The temperature is cooler on the coast. Angkor Wat in May can be unbearably hot for some visitors. Avoid visiting unless you can handle humidity. March can be a little cooler and can be a good compromise if you are looking for the best time to visit Cambodia.

June: Best for partying all night long

June to August is the rainy season, and although you can expect a downpour, temperatures are approximately 30°C or more, and very humid. Sihanoukville is also the entry point to the islands of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem and Koh Ta Kiev. Tranquil Koh Ta Tiev remains peaceful undiscovered territory although there are some more lively beaches like Ochheuteal Beach and Serendipity beach where you can party from sunset to sundown.

Koh Rong Samloem, Cambodia

July: Best for a unique experience in a green tropical paradise

Cambodia can be less popular during the summer (July and August), which is officially when the rainy season is in full swing. The rainy season can still be the best time of year to visit Cambodia. July is also known as the “green season” as the countryside is flourishing. During rainy season Cambodia is in full bloom, and it’s a great chance to see the landscape as a lush green oasis.

August: Best for a holiday with fewer crowds

The amount of rainfall per day starts to increase towards August . It can rain every day in the wet season in Cambodia, but generally, there won’t be a downpour that lasts all day, although that can happen.

September: Best for exploring the country from a different angle

During September , the country transforms into a waterlogged expanse of tropical green under the daily deluge of rainfall. It’s a fascinating time to see the country, although dirt roads can turn into mud and flooding is commonplace.

Ka Chanh waterfall of Ratanakiri in Cambodia ©Shutterstock

October: Best for exploring the high water levels of Tonle Sap Lake

Although the rainfall can present practical challenges, it can be a beautiful time of year to see the stunning scenery of Cambodia. October can be a great time to visit the floating markets of the Tonle Sap, and Angkor Wat is quieter than in December and January.

November: Best for observing local traditions and celebrations

In November , the temperatures are cooler, and there is less rain. It marks the end of monsoon season, and this becomes a popular time to visit for many tourists. It is also the month the Cambodian Water Festival is celebrated. This festival celebrates the reversal of the Tonle Sap River into the Mekong River. In early November, the Bonn Om Toeuk Water festival has traditionally been celebrated in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. You can watch the colourful boat races take place on the Mekong. Most towns and villages seek to participate by building boats that can hold up to 100 people

December: Best for a holiday in the midst of a vibrant atmosphere

December in Cambodia is a preferred month for many tourists due to cooler temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). It's an excellent time to visit iconic sites like the Temples of Angkor, colourful markets, and embark on jungle treks. This month also offers the best conditions for visiting lakes, rivers, and the Tonle Sap floating villages, still full from the rainy season. Remember, it's peak travel season, so booking accommodation early is crucial, especially for a Christmas stay. Prepare for crowds, particularly at major tourist spots like Angkor Wat.

Floating village on Tonle Sap, Cambodia ©Shutterstock

The southwesterly monsoon from May to October brings the rainy season, humidity and strong winds. The northeasterly monsoon brings the sunshine. From November to April, Cambodia is still hot with average temperatures rising to around 32°C (89°F).

It doesn’t rain all day during the rainy season, so it’s possible to visit some of the highlights of Cambodia while avoiding the crowds. Summer can be the best time for families to travel to Cambodia if they need to coincide with school holiday dates. Everything is quieter wherever you choose to visit.

Flooding can be a problem on the roads in Cambodia during the summer, and although you can travel anywhere, it may take a lot longer. Mud can cause road closures, especially in the countryside.

In September and October, the rain can be more substantial and more consistent. It’s naturally much quieter, making this the best time to visit Cambodia for some. Travelling by road can be impacted during the rainy season as flooding is a possibility.

During the rainy season in Cambodia, as it doesn’t rain all day, it can be a good time for sightseeing. It is one of the quietest times to visit major landmarks like Angkor Wat and the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh. There will be fewer crowds and the countryside is appealingly green and lush. Some travel plans may be affected if travelling between the cities Phnom Penh , Battambang and Siem Reap , or if travelling to other villages as flooding can occur.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat ©Shutterstock

Millions of visitors head to Angkor Wat every year, and it can often get crowded, particularly between December and February. It is cooler at this time of year, but nothing can prepare you for the crowds. In the dry season, even if you get up very early before sunrise, you will experience crowds. The best times to visit are early morning and late afternoon if you want to avoid the sweltering hot weather at midday.

In March to May, it can get hotter, and the weather is usually dry and bright. For some, walking around Angkor Wat in the heat could be unbearable. Angkor Wat covers a large area, and you need to be prepared to travel around to see it fully.

During the rainy season in June to October, the whole of Angkor Wat will be quieter, so it is the right time to avoid the crowds. It’s most likely to rain in the afternoon, so it’s better to visit in the morning. Rainfall won’t impact the entire day, but mud roads or flooding may affect your journey to Angkor Wat. It may just take longer to reach your destination. The rainy season also brings intense humidity, so you need to be comfortable with heat if you choose to go at this time of year.

Start planning your trip to Cambodia today with our local experts and carefully planned Cambodia itineraries .

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updated 29.04.2024

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Cambodia and beyond

Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia's temperatures stay pretty constant all year round with a distinct wet and dry season. The north generally experiences slightly colder winters (dry seasons) than the south. The most popular season to travel, by far, is the dry season, as showers usually only occur in the late afternoon and for a matter of minutes before passing over.

In the wet season, however, rainfall can be constant and heavy, with August and September bringing most of the monsoon rains to the whole country. That shouldn't put you off, though – the Angkor temples and terraced rice fields arguably look the best after a shower and without the smoky haze of the dry season. Plus, it's generally much quieter in the wet season.

Siem Reap features a tropical wet-to-dry climate. It doesn't really drop much below 30°C on any given day, but rainfall fluctuates dramatically between the wet season (May–October) and the dry season. 

Late November through February is usually an ideal time to visit Siem Reap – warm but pleasant days, cooler nights and not too much rainfall.

Temperatures start to sneak up around February and short but sharp rain showers in the early evenings begin to become more frequent. 

Surprise, surprise – weather on the coastline is not much different to the tropical wet and dry season pattern in other regions in Cambodia.

Expect temperatures to be slightly cooler at night, with sea breezes taking the edge off. Rainfall and humidity, on average, are a little higher than in the interior of the country, with humidity rising to around 90% during the wet season.

Kampot's wettest period is from May to October, and the highest average rainfall is in August, with around 410 mm falling in a month.

Just like Siem Reap, Cambodia's capital is classified as having a tropical wet and dry climate.

Temperatures don't vary greatly, but the city is subject to tropical monsoons in the wet season. The heaviest rainfall happens over September and October, and the driest month is February.

Air temperature remains relatively constant throughout the year, with the highest average humidity in the wetter months.

Battambang, in the northwest reaches of Cambodia, follows the trend of the major cities of Phnom Penh and Siem Reap: hot and wet in the monsoon season and slightly cooler and drier between December and February.

The city sits on the river Sangker, which feeds into the Tonle Sap and Mekong rivers, and flooding can occur when these waterways swell during the wet season.

Most of the rain falls in September – on average around 260 mm over the month. 

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Uk weather: 'danger to life' warning in place as hot, sunny conditions replaced by 10 hours of thunderstorms.

By Dan Falvey

Published: 12/05/2024

People in areas with a yellow warning should expect some disruption, especially to travel

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Britain is basking in sunshine today, with Sunday set to be the hottest day of the year so far - but the Met Office has warned the good news may be short lived.

Despite hot weather of up to 27C today, meteorologists are warning of heavy thunderstorms across the country.

Yellow weather warnings are in place for the west of Britain, including the majority of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

People in areas with a yellow warning should expect some disruption, especially to travel.

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and there is a slight chance of power cuts.

Met Office warning stated that "heavy showers and thunderstorms could lead to some disruption in places, especially to travel," adding that: "isolated property flooding is possible".

"Some intense downpours are possible in a few places, giving up to 30mm in less than hour and perhaps 50mm over 2 to 3 hours leading to surface water flooding," it continued.

"Large hail, frequent lightning strikes and possibly strong wind gusts will be additional localised hazards."

Winds will pick up as the thunderstorms sweep in a week of miserable conditions

The national weather service said that the heavy rain meant "fast flowing or deep floodwater is possible, causing a danger to life".

The yellow weather warning remains in place for the west flank of England until 11pm tonight.

Scotland's yellow weather warning ends at 3am tomorrow morning.

Meanwhile, Northern Ireland had been told to remain on alert until 6am on Tuesday.

On Saturday, temperatures peaked at 25.9C in Herstmonceux, East Sussex, and in northern Scotland a temperature of 25.7C was recorded in Cassley.

Temperatures climbed steadily over the week, with the previous record set on Thursday, with a peak of 24.6C in London’s St James’s Park.

Although the weather for next week is set to see a return of cloud and rain, the warm weather will remain.

Temperatures are due to remain in the low 20s throughout the week. The sunshine is set to return later in the month when a second African Plume brings in hotter temperatures and sunshine.

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Tornadoes tear through the southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead

The Associated Press

Greenville, Ohio, resident Brenda Pollitt wipes the tears from her eyes as she removes papers from her bedroom on Wednesday. Pollitt and her children were home at the time of the strong storm that hit Tuesday evening. She and her family ran downstairs and were all safe. Marshall Gorby/AP hide caption

Greenville, Ohio, resident Brenda Pollitt wipes the tears from her eyes as she removes papers from her bedroom on Wednesday. Pollitt and her children were home at the time of the strong storm that hit Tuesday evening. She and her family ran downstairs and were all safe.

COLUMBIA, Tenn. — Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could march through parts of the South early Thursday, after storms a day earlier spawned damaging tornadoes and massive hail, leaving two dead in Tennessee and one dead in North Carolina.

The storms continue an outbreak of torrential rain and tornadoes that has cut across the country this week, from the Plains to the Midwest and now the southeastern U.S. At least four people have died in storms since Monday.

Amid Wednesday's storms, the National Weather Service continued issuing tornado warnings that stretch past midnight in North Carolina, Alabama, Georgia, Missouri and Kentucky. Parts of Arkansas and Mississippi were also under a tornado watch through the pre-dawn hours.

Why it feels like tornadoes are becoming more common, according to an expert

One storm that rumbled across northeastern Tennessee on Wednesday brought high winds that knocked down power lines and trees. Bob Brooks, the sheriff in Claiborne County about an hour north of Knoxville, said a 22-year-old man was in a car when he was fatally struck by one of the trees.

A second person was killed in the city of Columbia in Maury County, where the National Weather Service said a likely tornado had touched down. Columbia is just south of Nashville.

Homes were damaged and people injured, according to Lynn Thompson, assistant director of Maury County 911. Thompson told The Associated Press that he could not provide any further details: "We're getting overloaded right now."

Rita Thompson, a spokesperson for Maury Regional Health, said the hospital had received five patients, including the person who died. Another was in serious condition and three had injuries that were not life-threatening, she said.

The storms also prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to issue a temporary ground stop at Nashville International Airport and the National Weather Service to issue a tornado emergency — its highest alert level — for other nearby areas south of the state's capital, including Chapel Hill and Eagleville.

Utility workers survey storm damage along Cothran Road on Wednesday in Columbia, Tenn. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

Utility workers survey storm damage along Cothran Road on Wednesday in Columbia, Tenn.

Meanwhile, torrential rain and thunderstorms led to water rescues northeast of Nashville.

"Do not attempt to travel unless you are fleeing an area subject to flooding or under an evacuation order," the National Weather Service warned when it issued a flash flood emergency.

In North Carolina, a state of emergency was declared Wednesday night for Gaston County, west of Charlotte, following a large storm that toppled power lines and severed trees, including one that landed on a car. One person in the car was killed and another was taken to a hospital, officials said.

The storms rolled into the region Wednesday after parts of the central United States were battered Monday by heavy rain, strong winds, hail and tornadoes, including a deadly twister that ripped through an Oklahoma town and killed one person. Then, on Tuesday, the Midwest took the brunt of the bad weather.

The National Weather Service said tornadoes touched down in parts of Michigan, Ohio and Indiana on Tuesday.

In Michigan, tornadoes swirled through the southwestern part of the state, in and around Kalamazoo County, according to the National Weather Service. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for four counties.

Kalamazoo County's Portage area was hard hit as a FedEx facility was ripped apart, leaving about 50 people temporarily trapped inside because of downed power lines.

Storm damaged mobile homes are surrounded by debris at Pavilion Estates mobile home park just east of Kalamazoo, Mich., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. Neil Blake/AP hide caption

Storm damaged mobile homes are surrounded by debris at Pavilion Estates mobile home park just east of Kalamazoo, Mich., on Wednesday, May 8, 2024.

Travis Wycoff ventured out Tuesday night after seeing on radar that a tornado had touched down in the Portage area, and he said he helped an elderly couple out of their partially collapsed home and freed a service dog from another home.

"There were a lot of people running through the streets trying to find people and their pets," Wycoff said. "It was just a lot of chaos."

In the adjacent Pavilion Township, more than a dozen homes were destroyed in a mobile home park and 16 people were injured, said Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller.

Samantha Smith clutched a box Wednesday afternoon outside her mother's partially wrecked home in Pavilion Township. Inside the box were her grandmother's ashes. Being able to recover the most cherished of items offered Smith a rare moment of relief amid the storm's devastation. She said her parents and brother were injured during the storm but survived.

"I have thanked God probably a billion times since this happened yesterday," she said. "My kids are healthy and good. We just gotta make back up what we lost."

Tornadoes were also confirmed in Pennsylvania just outside Pittsburgh, in central Arkansas and in northern West Virginia. The West Virginia twister was at least the 11th tornado this year in the state, which sees two tornadoes in an average year.

Both the Plains and Midwest have been hammered by tornadoes this spring.

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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