THUNDERSTORMS could hit parts of Somerset today, the Met Office has warned.

The weather service says heavy showers and thunderstorms may cause “some disruption in places” between 10am and 7pm on Sunday (May 26).

The warning covers a large area of southern England, stretching from west London and Oxford to the South Hams in Devon.

A separate yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued for the Midlands and parts of northern England, covering Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.

Slow-moving showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop, with 20-30mm of rain due to hit. Hail and lightning strikes may also occur.

Forecaster Kathryn Chalk said: “There could be some disruption, especially for people travelling or out trying to enjoy the bank holiday weekend.

“So I’d say definitely keep an eye out on that.

“Some southern areas of England may also see a few heavy downpours, perhaps even the odd rumble of thunder as well.

“It’s just a more unsettled weather regime where the air’s unstable and with more heating in the land it helps develop a storm.”

The warning says:

  • There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray and standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
  • Some flooding of a few homes and businesses possible, leading to some damage to buildings or structures
  • Delays to train services are possible
  • A small chance of a short term loss of power and some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes

A mix of “sunshine and showers” will be the case for many on bank holiday Monday, with drier conditions possible the southwest of England in the afternoon.