UK weather: Thunderstorm warnings issued with risk of flooding as heatwave continues

Weather warnings for thunderstorms have been issued by the Met Office for parts of the UK as the fourth heatwave of the summer continues.

One yellow warning covers a large part of north-eastern Scotland and another the eastern part of Northern Ireland - both are in place until 10pm on Thursday.

They come as heat health alerts were extended by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) into next week for much of England.

The UKHSA said yellow warnings will now be in place for Yorkshire and Humber, the East and West Midlands, London and the South East, South West and East of England until 6pm on 18 August.

Flood alerts have also been issued for Scotland with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency warning of a risk of significant flooding from surface water and rivers due to today's thundery downpours.

The Met Office said there was the potential for 20 to 30mm of rainfall in under an hour, and up to 70mm within two hours in some areas.

The most intense storms may also bring lightning and hail. Showers are expected to ease through the evening.

Temperatures will remain high in the north, despite the unsettled conditions, the Met Office said.

Parts of Northern Ireland could see up to 50mm of rain.

The forecaster said another warm day is expected across much of the UK today, with temperatures climbing into the low to mid-30s in eastern England.

Paul Gundersen, chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Some areas will continue to experience their fourth heatwave of the summer so far, with Thursday remaining warm or very warm for many, though cooler near coasts.

"Temperatures could still reach 30C in eastern England, though many areas will be a few degrees cooler than earlier in the week."

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Friday is expected to bring a north-south split, with cloudier skies and patchy rain or drizzle in parts of the north, while the south enjoys plenty of sunshine - temperatures could reach 31C (88F) in southern England, the Met Office said.

The weekend is expected to be dry and sunny for most - top temperatures could reach 30C (86F) on Saturday and 29C (84F) on Sunday in south-west England.

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