A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Friday as forecasters fear lightning strikes and flooding could cause transport delays.
The downpour comes just days after the UK recorded its hottest temperature on record on Tuesday, when the mercury topped 40C for the first time.
The extreme heat led to a series of devastating bushfires across England, with firefighters saying it was the busiest day since World War Two.
The UK has now moved from the rare red “danger to life” warning, but parts of England and Wales are under a yellow warning for thunderstorms.
A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Friday
(Getty Images)
These areas include Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Devon, Hampshire and Sussex.
According to the Weather Service, slow-moving, strong thunderstorms are likely to develop from mid to late morning, most likely peaking in the afternoon and early evening before dissipating later.
Where there are thunderstorms, 20-25mm of rain is possible in less than an hour and 40-50mm can fall in 2-3 hours. Hail and frequent lightning are potential additional hazards.
Forecasters warned that people could expect splashing and flash flooding, which could lead to difficult driving conditions and road closures.
Trains and buses may be delayed or canceled in areas with flooding and lightning strikes.
There is a small chance of power outages and other services to some homes and businesses may be lost, forecasters said.
Weather forecast for the next four days
Friday
Partly cloudy with some sunny spells in southern, far western and eastern Scotland. Rain in central areas moving north. Heavy rain is developing in the south.
Forecast for Saturday to Monday:
Rain spreading to the northwest on Saturday, dry elsewhere. Hot in the southeast Sunday, cooler elsewhere with showers. Sunny spells and showers on Monday, heavy in the north.
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