UK weather forecast: England and Wales covered by Met Office warnings as volatile thunderstorm strikes
The Met Office has issued three weather warnings
Met Office/PA
England and Wales looks set to get covered by a trio of yellow Met Office weather warnings as thunderstorms strike.
The UK's national weather service also issued a rain warning and wind warning which will last for much of today.
The yellow rain warning, which could lead to flooding and travel disruption, will last from 11pm to 8pm.
The Met Office said: "Spells of rain, heavy at times, will persist through most of today. In excess of 30 to 50 mm may build up in some spots before rain starts to ease this evening.
"There is also a chance that rain may accompanied by thunder in a few places, most likely in the south of the warning area."
The East Midlands, North East of England and Yorkshire & Humber have all been identified as areas at risk from the rain warning.
An image of the Met Office's warning across England and Wales
Met Office
England's Environment Agency and Natural Resources Wales have also issued flood alerts today.
A total of 15 flood alerts are in force across England and Wales.
But the Met Office's rain warning seems to have confounded Britons to a torrid start to August.
A yellow thunderstorm warning will last from 9am to 8pm tonight.
Heavy rain will ensure Britons have a miserable start to August
PA
Much of England and Wales will witness poor conditions due to thunderstorms.
The UK's national weather service said: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected during Wednesday.
"Where they do develop they could be slow-moving and persistent with as much as 20-25 mm of rain falling within an hour and possibly in excess of 40 mm in 2-3 hours in a few places. Lightning and hail will be additional hazards."
A wind warning which stretches across the south coast was also issued between 4am and 6pm.
Flooding could occur as a result of the rainPAIt could lead to gales in excess of 60 miles per hour.
The Met Office added: "Unseasonably windy conditions, accompanied by showers or longer spells of rain, will affect southern England and Wales during Wednesday.
"The highest winds will affect the Isles of Scilly and Cornwall from early morning, spreading into other English Channel coastal areas during the morning with gusts expected to widely reach 45-50 mph and perhaps in excess of 55-60 mph in the most exposed spots in the far south and southwest of England. Later in the afternoon winds will start to slowly ease."
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