The Met Office has warned of flooding and disruption over the coming days as thunderstorms and heavy rain are set to batter parts of the UK.
It comes after the UK has seen a record-breaking summer of dry and hot weather, with parts of England and all of Wales still in drought conditions.
Yellow warnings in force
This week, the Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning to come into effect at 3am on Wednesday (August 26), affecting parts of England and Wales, including Greater Manchester.
The yellow warning will remain in place until 10pm that same day, affecting parts of the East Midlands, East of England, London and south east England, north west England, south west England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire.
A second thunderstorm warning was also issued by the Met Office for Thursday, coming into force at 6am on Thursday morning until 10pm in the evening. "Thunderstorms and heavy rain may lead to some disruption", the Met Office said.
Flooding and frequent lightning
After the thunderstorm warning was issued, the Met Office warned that "heavy rain and thunderstorms" could lead to flooding and localised disruption.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Steve Willington said: "As we move into Wednesday there is a growing risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms, with warm and humid air helping to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms."
"Some places could see significant amounts of rain falling in a short period of time, bringing the potential for localised flooding, travel disruption and frequent lightning."
Mr Willington continued: "On Thursday, slow-moving heavy and thundery rain may bring prolonged rainfall to some areas, increasing the risk of localised impacts."
"There remains some uncertainty around where the heaviest rain will fall, so it is important to keep up to date with the latest forecast and warnings."
Unsettled period ahead
The long-range forecast for the UK - which covers the period between August 30 and September 8 - warns of an "unsettled period" ahead.
"An unsettled period is likely, with showers or longer spells of rain possible across many parts of the UK," the Met Office says. "Some heavy rain is likely, perhaps with some thunderstorms too."
"Rainfall amounts will probably be above average for the time of year and there is potential for some strong winds at times. Some drier and more settled interludes could develop at times, but these will likely be short-lived."
It continues: "Temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or very warm spells are possible, especially in the south."
