Met Office three-hour thunderstorm warning for millions tonight - full list
The Met Office has issued a three-hour thunderstorm warning affecting a large region of the UK. The warning came into place at 8.11pm this evening and is valid until 11pm.
The weather agency says the developing thunderstorms may cause frequent lightning, hail and brief heavy downpours. A spokesperson said "Today's heat and humidity has resulted in the development of some thunderstorms which will move rapidly northeastwards across central and eastern parts of England this evening. Most places will not be impacted but where they occur brief periods of frequent lightning, strong gusty winds, large hail and heavy rain are possible."
The Met Office has issued yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms in 26 areas of the UK. The weather agency stated that slow-moving thunderstorms will be present, warning that the weather conditions may cause travel disruption and flooding in a few places.
In Northern Ireland, people have been urged to plan ahead as thunderstorms and heavy rainfall will hit the region. A statement from the Met Office reads "Following overnight rain, showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop across much of Northern Ireland. These showers and thunderstorms will become slow-moving for a time this afternoon leading to the potential for some large rainfall accumulations to build up in a few places. 10-15 mm of rain likely in less than an hour for some and perhaps 25-30 mm in 2-3 hours."
The Met Office added "This could cause some temporary flooding and difficult driving conditions. Hail and lightning will be additional hazards in the heaviest showers."
The forecaster has advised "If you find yourself outside and hear thunder protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter such as a car. Do not shelter under or near trees or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground."
UK households in affected areas should prepare a flood plan and an emergency flood kit. The Met Office has also extended its amber extreme heat warning to cover London and southeast England, East Anglia and parts of the East Midlands, now valid until 9am on Sunday.