UK weather forecast: Six-hours of thunderstorms to smash Britain as heavy rain strikes

The yellow thunderstorm warning will cover large swathes of England between 6am and 12pm.

The East Midlands, East of England, London & South East England, South West England and the West Midlands are all at risk of being hit by thunderstorms.

The Met Office said: “A line of thunderstorms are expected to develop during Friday morning and move gradually northeast before weakening into the afternoon.

“Whilst most places will only see a short period of heavy rain, a few places may see 30-40mm of rain in less than two hours.

“In addition to heavy rain, some thunderstorms may produce frequent lightning.”

The weather warning means there is a chance of localised disruption on Friday morning.

Disruption could include poor travel conditions, flooding, damage to buildings and other structures.

England’s Environment Agency has also issued six flood alerts across the West Midlands.

The separate wind warning is in place from midnight until 6pm tomorrow.

It will batter northwest and west Wales with gusts potentially exceeding 60 miles per hour.

The rest of the United Kingdom is not expected to fare much better, with the Met Office suggesting much of the country will see downpours.

The national weather service’s Friday forecast said: “Bands of heavy and thundery rain will push northeastwards throughout Friday.

“Dry, bright and feeling warm either side of this. Further heavy rain moving into the southwest later. Becoming windy.”

Looking ahead to the weekend, it added: “Thundery showers dissipating into Saturday to leave a day of sunshine and showers.

“Fresher on Sunday with further showers. Showers becoming isolated Monday. Warm and humid, especially in the southeast.”