Thunderstorm warning issued by Met Office for southern England with torrential rain expected
Thousands of people heading to Glastonbury Festival - which opened on Wednesday - could bear the brunt of the conditions.
Wednesday 22 June 2022 12:34, UK
A thunderstorm warning has been issued by the Met Office for much of southern England on Thursday, with the risk of torrential downpours which may cause travel disruption and, in a few places, flooding.
This story is now outdated: Thunderstorm warning expanded
Thousands of people heading to Glastonbury Festival, which opened on Wednesday, could bear the brunt of the conditions - with the event within the weather warning area.
The yellow thunderstorm warning is in place between 10am and 11.59pm.
The Met Office said there was a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded as well as the possibility of fast flowing floodwater causing danger to life.
Flooding may also cause some road closures, with heavy traffic on the roads already expected around the UK due to rail strikes.
Discussing Glastonbury, Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said Wednesday will be "a fine, hot day", but after that it becomes "more changeable".
In addition to Thursday's thunderstorms, there is "the risk of a few showers as we go through Friday and Saturday, but heavier showers on Sunday".
Check the five-day forecast for where you live
Following the fine conditions on Wednesday, festival-goers will "definitely need their wellies because conditions will take a bit of a wetter turn", Mr Burkill said.
A possible deluge will add to the problems experienced by people on the second of three days of rail strikes this week, due to take place on Thursday.