UK weather forecast: Major lightning and thunderstorm bursts in England with heavy rain

The UK is preparing for some huge downpours on Sunday, along with fierce thunderstorms and lightning bursts.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for most of England and part of Wales.

The yellow warning is in place from 4am on Sunday morning, right through until 5am on Monday.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected throughout the day, with a risk of flooding and public transport delays.

There was also a small chance of power cuts in some parts of the country, the Met Office warned.

The Met Office warning covers most of England until Monday morning (Met Office)

Its yellow warning encompassed all of the south, southeast, and east of England, with only the north and northwest in the clear.

The majority of the downpour is expected to hit the Midlands at about 9am, according to latest forecasts from WXCharts.

The rain will gradually move north throughout the day, heading up toward Scotland by 9pm.

But, the south of England - ranging from Exeter right through to Portsmouth - could see further storms in mid-afternoon.

The Met Office forecast said Sunday would include "bands of heavy rain with risk of thunder, moving north through the day, although some sunshine likely between these. Becoming windy in the south, but very mild again."

The heaviest showers will hit the Midlands at about 9am on Sunday morning (WXCHARTS)

It added: "A band of heavy rain will move northwards through Sunday morning, followed by scattered heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms during the afternoon.

"Further heavy rain and thunderstorms are possible during Sunday evening and night, particularly across eastern parts of England, easing later.

"10-20mm of rain is likely in one to three hours in many areas, with 30mm in a few places through the morning.

The UK is preparing for some huge downpours on Sunday (PA)

"However, where thunderstorms occur during the afternoon, evening and overnight, there is a small chance of 20-30mm falling within an hour and as much as 60mm in two to three hours, along with lightning and a chance of gusty winds and hail, this most likely across eastern parts of England.

As the week progresses, temperatures will likely remain mild, with bright sunshine and bursts of showers.

The West will see the majority of the showers, although wet and windy weather will continue north from Tuesday.