The Met Office has issued new warnings for thunderstorms expected to bring further wet weather to parts of the UK on Thursday. The first warning is active from 02:00 BST, with heavy rain and thunder forecast for south-east England in the early hours.
A second warning for a wider area of England and Wales comes into force at 06:00 BST and will last until 22:00. Downpours could lead to localised flash flooding and travel disruption, with the wettest areas potentially seeing 75mm of rain. Large hail, lightning, and gusty winds may accompany the showers, and conditions will feel humid for many.
Thursday morning will see a wet start in southern England and south Wales, with heavy downpours moving north across mid and north Wales, the Midlands, and parts of eastern England, reaching northern England by early afternoon. Further scattered heavy and thundery showers are possible later in the day. Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to avoid the very wettest weather, though some rain is expected.
Within the Met Office yellow warning area, 20-30mm of rain could fall in a few hours, with up to 50mm over a 12-hour period. Exposed hills could see 75mm. Hazardous driving conditions are anticipated, with a chance of road closures and communities being cut off. Lightning strikes could cause power cuts, and hailstones of 1-2cm are also possible.
The wet weather is set to continue over the bank holiday weekend for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, accompanied by windy conditions in the south. Temperatures are expected to range from 16C in northern Scotland to 23C in southern England, which is typical for late August.