‘Intense’ thunderstorms to strike Britain with an inch of rain in less than a hour today before 30C heat set to return

THUNDERSTORMS are set to strike the UK with an inch of rain in less than an hour today before the 30C heat makes a return.

It comes after the mercury soared to 40.3C on Tuesday – making it the UK’s hottest day on record, according to forecasters.

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Thunderstorms were already seen earlier in the week in Kent[/caption]

And the Met Office has now issued a yellow warning for “intense” thunderstorms in parts of the south and south-west.

Cardiff, Exeter and Southampton are just some of the areas that will be worst affected.

Heavy thunderstorms are said to likely develop throughout the morning before peaking during the afternoon and early evening – and an inch of rain fall in less than an hour.

The Met Office said: “Where thunderstorms do occur, 20-25 mm of rain is possible in less than an hour, and 40-50 mm could fall in 2 or 3 hours.”

Hail and frequent lightning have also been warned as additional hazards in areas where the yellow weather warning has kicked in.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “In this [South-western] zone, there is the potential for some tasty thunderstorms to develop.

“We are a bit concerned that we could see some very intense thunderstorms.

“Not everywhere in a yellow warning area will see those downpours, some may stay completely dry.

“But where they do occur they could cause some disruption with a lot of rain falling in a short space of time, flooding is possible.”

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures in these areas, according to weather experts.

There is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services where flooding or lightning strikes occur.

Power cuts and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost a a result of potential thunderstorms.

Temperatures in the south are mild today compared to the scorching weather earlier in the week.

But there is some good news for the weekend ahead with highs of 30C potentially back on the cards.

The Met Office’s 10-day forecast predicts warmer air moving in on Saturday and Sunday.

And as a result, Brits could once again bask in the sunshine.

Sunday predictions show that East Anglia could enjoy more glorious 30C weather while Londoners may also relax in a very manageable 28C.

Met Office forecaster Alex Deakin added: “There’s the potential for some thunderstorms on Friday – and then the warm air is tucked in across parts of England and Wales for Saturday and Sunday.

“So temperatures could tick up back to the high 20s, possible even the low 30s across East Anglia on Sunday.

“But it’s going to be quite a contrast, with much cooler conditions further north and in the north West.”

In the west of Scotland, highs of 17C are predicted, as a cooler breeze sweeps through.