Heatwave storms are set to break out across the UK, with a new map showing exactly when lightning will hit your area.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms from midday tomorrow (Wednesday 31 July), with chaos in the sky set to last until midnight on Thursday.
Wednesday's storms are likely to focus on London and most counties, the South East and East Anglia, with warnings of possible flooding and difficult driving conditions.
The storm spread to much of the rest of England and Wales on Thursday, reaching as far north as Newcastle.
The storm marks the end of a sweltering summer across the UK, with temperatures expected to reach 32C on Tuesday and hot weather set to continue into Wednesday morning.
The Met Office said in a storm warning: “Thunderstorms are likely to affect southeast England in the early hours of Thursday morning, possibly extending into parts of East Anglia.
“Where this occurs, rainfall amounts of 25-40 mm may occur within an hour and more than 60 mm within 2-3 hours, sometimes accompanied by frequent lightning.
“Elsewhere, showers are likely to develop and move north-east across parts of Wales, the Midlands and northern England.
“Rainfall will be heavy, with the possibility of thunderstorms at times, continuing into Thursday morning before easing off by midday. Some areas could see 25-50mm of rainfall accumulating over a few hours.
“Scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over parts of central, southern and eastern England and possibly southern Wales on Thursday afternoon and evening.
“These have the potential to generate 50mm or more of water in 1-2 hours, along with the risk of gusty winds, large hail and surface water inundation.”
If you are stuck outdoors during a thunderstorm, the Met Office recommends avoiding open water and finding a low-lying open spot that is a safe distance away from trees, poles or metal objects.
It added: “Avoid activities such as golfing, fishing, or boating on the lake. Be aware of metal objects that may conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf carts, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorcycles, bicycles, wheelchairs, electric Scooters, strollers, barbed wire and railings.
“If you find yourself in an exposed position, it is recommended to squat close to the ground with your hands on your knees and your head between your hands. Minimize body contact with the ground and do not lie down on the ground
“If you feel creepy, get down on top right away.”
Tonight and Tonight:
It will be sunny and dry overnight, with a cooler feeling across Scotland, but generally warm and humid elsewhere. Strange thunderstorms are possible in the far south later in the night.
Wednesday:
For many, it's been a dry and warm start. Isolated thundershowers are possible near the English Channel coast, before moving across the south-east. The temperature rose rapidly and another hot day ushered in.
Outlook Thursday through Saturday:
Thursday will be hot and humid with heavy thundershowers in southern areas. Westerly conditions will become fresher on Friday and Saturday, with sunshine and showers around.
