Heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue to affect large swathes of the UK on Thursday, bringing the threat of flooding and travel disruption.<\/p>\n
A Met Office yellow thunderstorm covering parts of northern England and north Wales has been extended until 13:00 BST on Thursday.<\/p>\n
The downpours will drift southwards and eastwards during the day, affecting other parts of Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia and southern England.<\/p>\n
Drivers are being warned that the return to wet weather could lead to slippery conditions as well as the risk of flooded roads.<\/p>\n
Temperatures are also forecast to drop with some places expected to remain below the August average over the next few days.<\/p>\n
After a summer that has largely been dominated by high pressure, low pressure has now taken control.<\/p>\n
Unstable air underneath the low has allowed big storm clouds to develop, capable of delivering torrential downpours accompanied by hail and thunder.<\/p>\n
During Thursday morning, northern England and north Wales will continue to bear the brunt of the thunderstorms.<\/p>\n
The Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning is in force until 13:00 BST<\/p>\n
Within the Met Office yellow warning area, 15-20mm of rain could fall in just an hour, with 30-40mm possible over several hours.<\/p>\n
Flash flooding is possible, especially in areas where the ground remains very hard after the prolonged hot, dry spell.<\/p>\n
Lightning and hail will bring additional hazards and there is a chance of power cuts.<\/p>\n
Showers are expected to ease from the north during the morning, migrating southwards into other parts of Wales as well as central and southern England where a few downpours could still be heavy and thundery.<\/p>\n
As ever with showers, some places will see more rain than others.<\/p>\n
Scotland and Northern Ireland will also have showers but they should be less intense, with a lower chance of thunder.<\/p>\n