A yellow thunderstorm warning has been issued for London and other parts of the UK for Friday.
The Met Office warns the storms could affect driving conditions and may lead to some homes and businesses flooding, as some areas may see 40mm of rain fall in less than two hours.
The weather agency has issued a yellow warning from 6am until midday on Friday.
“There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus,” its website said.
“There is a chance of flooding of a few homes and businesses, leading to some damage to buildings or structures.
“A chance of some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes, as well as short term loss of power.”
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 17, 2023
Thunderstorms across Southern parts of England
Friday 0600 – 1200
Latest info 👉 https://t.co/QwDLMfRBfs
Stay #WeatherAware⚠️ " pic.twitter.com/2w1sHV1Gyo
It added that delays to train services “are possible”.
The weather warning is in place across the south-east, London, and the midlands.
The Met Office website 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 30-40 mm of rain in less than two hours. In addition to heavy rain, some thunderstorms may produce frequent lightning.”
In London, scattered showers are predicted to turn heavy and possibly thundery as Friday morning progresses, though it is likely to remain feeling warm and humid with top temperatures of 24C.
Heavy rain is then due overnight on Friday, before making way for a “day of sunshine and scattered showers” on Saturday, with temperatures around 24C.
Sunday is then forecast to be “fresher”, with further showers.