Met Office forecasters have warned that a month’s worth of rain could fall over the UK in the next few days. Southern areas are expected to bear the brunt of the downpours on Thursday, with storms moving up towards Scotland by Friday.

Thunderstorms and heavy showers are pushing northwards from the European mainland. Forecasters said there is even a risk of hail in some places. Despite the heavy deluges, Met Office meteorologist Mark Wilson said temperatures are expected to be warm, due to warm air persisting and some sunny interludes between showers.

The Met Office has issued a yellow ‘Be Aware’ warning which covers Southern England and Wales on Thursday, and Southern Scotland, all of England and all of Wales on Friday.

Thunderstorms developing over France last night, which moved across the channel in the early hours of Thursday morning may lead to rain that is “torrential at times” but the worst of the weather is expected to clear from the East over the weekend, forecasters said.

Last night, forecasters were still uncertain where the heaviest rain and most intense thunderstorms would occur, but predicted that between 30 and 50mm of rain could fall over England and Wales before the weekend. This, they said, could lead to localised flooding.

Met Office forecasters urged those who stand to be affected by the storms to keep checking for updates.