A YELLOW Warning of thunderstorms this afternoon (Saturday) has been issued by the Met Office.

The warning covers from noon to midnight.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: ‘During Saturday afternoon bands of thunderstorms are expected to develop over central and southern England.

‘These will gradually move eastwards during the rest of the day, finally clearing the east of England late this evening.

‘These will bring heavy rain with 20 mm of rain possible in an hour in some locations and a chance of 30-40 mm in a couple of hours though most areas will see much less rainfall.

‘Lightning and hail are additional hazards, along with gusty winds, particularly from late afternoon into the evening in south and southeastern parts.