As many as 30 areas have been hit by thunderstorms as the Met Office warns “flooding and disruption” is possible.
The UK’s national weather service issued a yellow thunderstorm warning earlier today which will engulf dozens of local authority areas.
Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Plymouth, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Torbay and Wiltshire were all impacted in the South West.
Welsh residents in Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan were also affected.
The UK is set to be rocked by some of the worst thunderstorms seen in years PAThere was much less impact in the West Midlands with just Herefordshire and Worcestershire noted as places at risk.
The Met Office said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms perhaps causing some flooding and disruption.”
The UK’s national weather service added: “There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.
“Delays to train services are possible.
“Probably some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes.”
Thousands of people who have descended on Glastonbury will likely be impacted by the warning.
Nine flood alerts have also been issued across Scotland, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency has confirmed.
The Met Office forecast for Thursday said: “Another day of sunny spells and scattered showers, though many places will remain dry.
Met Office warning
Met Office
“Some of the showers will be heavy and perhaps thundery.
“Feeling very warm for most.”
Looking ahead to later this week, it added: “Slowly turning unsettled from the northwest through this period, with showery outbreaks of rain.
“Driest in the southeast, with plenty of sunshine. Very warm or hot for many.”
