Thunderstorms and heavy rain headed for much of England and Wales

Strong thunderstorms and heavy rain are forecast across much of England and Wales this week, the Met Office has said.

After a summer of repeated heatwaves and drought, thunderstorms are now forecast to hit from Wednesday, with a yellow warning in place from 3am to 10pm across much of England.

The areas affected by the warning include London and the South East, the Midlands, East Anglia, and parts of the North West and South West.

Eastern parts of Wales are also under the warning.

The Met Office warned showers and thunderstorms on Wednesday afternoon "may be intense", with 20-30mm rain falling in less than an hour and 40-50mm being possible in two to three hours in a few spots, leading to some surface water flooding.

Large hail and frequent lightning are also possible before showers and thunderstorms drift northwards and ease during Wednesday evening.

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The Met Office has advised people to "ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured" before gusty winds arrive, including bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds and fences.

A further yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued from 6am to 10pm on Thursday across large parts of England including the Midlands, East Anglia, the North West, Yorkshire, the South West, as well as much of Wales.

The weather service said there is a "small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life".

(c) Sky News 2026: Thunderstorms and heavy rain headed for much of England and Wales