A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued across parts of the South West of England. The Met Office warning covers areas including Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset.
The warning - which was initially set up for rain before later being updated to thunderstorms - came into effect at 4.39am this morning (June 20) and will continue until 10.30am. The Met Office warns that heavy rain and storms will move north across the area and that some travel disruption is likely.
It states that bus and train services will probably be affected with journey times taking longer or even be cancelled. It also notes that spray and sudden flooding on roads will probably make car journey times longer too.
READ MORE: Anger and sadness at 'awful' scenes as blaze completely destroys children's play park
It comes after it was forecast that heavy would batter the South West this week. Radar images from the Met Office showed a huge band of rain approaching from the south coast.
According to the latest Met Office forecasts the rain will continue in Bristol until at least 9am before drying up for the rest of the day. Despite the weather warning the afternoon should see bright spells with highs of 24C.
Most of the South West is also expected to dry up towards lunchtime and into the afternoon. However, the Met Office forecast says stormy conditions are set to hit Somerset around the evening rush hour, with Taunton forecast thunder between 4pm and 6pm.
Met Office South West England weather forecast
Today:
A rather damp start to Tuesday as outbreaks of rain gradually clear. Sunshine and scattered showers to follow during the afternoon, some of which could turn heavy. Maximum temperature 24C.
Tonight:
Any showers easing to allow some evening sunny spells. Remaining dry overnight with clear intervals, though some patchy low cloud affecting the west of Dartmoor and Exmoor. A mild night. Minimum temperature 12C.
Wednesday:
A bright morning with isolated fog patches quickly clearing. Scattered showers bubbling up in the afternoon, potentially heavy and thundery, but with sunshine in between. Warm with a light breeze. Maximum temperature 23C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:
Largely dry to end the week though the odd shower is still possible, primarily on Thursday. A lot of fine weather with sunny intervals. Temperatures gradually rising.
For advice on staying safe during heavy rain visit the Met Office's website here.
READ NEXT:
