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Yellow Weather Warning for Thunderstorms and Heavy Rain

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain, covering the whole of the West Midlands.

The warning is in place from 01:00 BST on Thursday and lasts for almost 24 hours.

The Met Office said there was a chance of heavy rain on Thursday morning, followed by thunderstorms and more showers in the afternoon.

It added that the afternoon storms could produce at least 50mm (2in) of rain in 1-2 hours, along with gusty winds, hail, and surface-water flooding.

The Met Office said there was a slight chance of disruption, with possible risks including difficult driving conditions and road closures if flooding occurred.

The weather service advised people to check road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables if using public transport, before travelling on Thursday.

Its scale for warnings runs from yellow, to amber, to red.

Thursday's yellow warning covers most of England and Wales, including the entire West Midlands region.

It follows a heatwave in many parts of the UK so far this week.

Tuesday was the warmest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 32C recorded at Kew Gardens and Heathrow.

Other Weather Warnings

The Met Office is also warning of gusty winds, large hail, and even the potential for power cuts. Yellow heat health warnings also remain in place for much of England until Friday.

Flooding Risk

A yellow weather warning has been issued for heavy showers and thunderstorms Wednesday and Thursday, including the potential for flooding and power cuts.

The Met Office predicts some areas could see as much as a month's rainfall in a few hours.

Large downpours are forecast tonight in the south of England - from Hampshire to Kent, with London and Essex also set to be hit.

Those places could experience up to 3cm (1in) of rain within an hour.

From early on Thursday morning, the warning area extends to cover most of England and Wales, as far north as Northumberland - up to 4cm (1.5in) could be expected in an hour.

Road Closures and Travel Disruption

Forecasters say there is a risk of gusty winds, large hail, as well as flooding, which could lead to difficult driving conditions, road closures, and disruption to trains and buses.

They are warning homeowners and businesses that power cuts might also happen.

High Temperatures

This week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat health warnings across England - except the northeast and northwest - until Friday.

Meanwhile, Tuesday is expected to be confirmed as the hottest day of the year so far, breaking this year's previous high of 31.9C.

Kew Gardens and Heathrow, both in west London, registered temperatures of 32C (89F).