Thunderstorms and heavy rain could cause flooding, travel disruption and power cuts later today, forecasters have said.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from 4pm to midnight across much of South Wales, southwest England and southern England.
Some areas could be hit by up to 40mm of rain falling within two to three hours, the weather agency said.
It added there was a “good chance” that driving conditions would be affected by spray, standing water or hail, while train services may also be disrupted.
Flooding to homes and businesses is also possible, along with “some short-term loss of power,” the Met Office added.
Forecasters believe thunderstorms are most likely to occur in south-facing coastal areas, with hail and strong winds accompanying the heaviest rainfall.
Further heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected across central and southern areas of the UK on Tuesday and into Wednesday.
The weather service said it also had “increasing confidence” that ex-Hurricane Kirk will track to the south of the UK, bringing heavy rains and strong winds to northern France.
Frank Saunders, a chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Areas of heavy showers and thunderstorms will move northwards across southern parts of England and Wales later this afternoon before clearing northwards overnight.
“It’s possible that some places could see 20 to 30mm of rain within two to three hours, with a small chance that a few places could receive 40mm.
“Thunderstorms are most likely for south-facing coastal districts, and hail and some strong gusts of wind could accompany the heaviest showers and thunderstorms.”
Yellow warnings are issued by the Met Office for “low level” weather impacts which could cause disruption in some areas – but which also have the potential to become “much more severe”.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.
Please refresh the page for the fullest version.
You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow @SkyNews on X or subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.
