Exact time 'monster' thunderstorms and 'gusty wind' could batter Britain

The Met Office says it will rain heavily across many regions today, which is likely to lead to further flooding after several areas were left underwater last month

The UK is preparing for violent thunderstorms throughout the day, with gusts of around 40mph expected. The Met Office has warned of heavy rain across many regions today, which could lead to further flooding following last month's deluge.

Fierce thunderstorms are forecast for southern areas, including counties along the south coast from Dorset to Cornwall in the west. Weather maps issued by Ventusky, a team of meteorologists, suggest around 8mm of rain will fall across three hours in and around Bournemouth, Dorset, from 1pm.

Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp

The Isle of Wight is also set to experience thunder and lightning later this evening when the rain will become more widespread, with showers predicted for the Midlands. The Met Office has highlighted the wind strength, too, noting that southerly gusts of up to 40mph across Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire will "make it feel colder" in parts.

Delivering the service's forecast on its website, meteorologist Alex Deakin said: "Showers won't be too far away, quite a gusty wind blowing as well, particularly across the south coast of England and into southern parts of Wales. It'll be especially gusty close to these showers."

Mr Deakin described the showers as becoming more widespread throughout Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, particularly heavy across the Midlands and East of England. However, the thunderstorms are expected to ease by then, reports the Mirror.

"A lot of spray, a lot of surface water on the roads and there is the possibility of further flooding. The rain continues to fall into parts of eastern Scotland (by 5am on Wednesday), particularly the southeast, as that breeze continues. Quite a lively wind at times across the Southeast of England," said the forecaster. "Wednesday is probably a drier day in southern England, south Wales and parts of Northern Ireland. Cheering up too across Scotland with some sunshine."

The flood warnings come as the Environment Agency has several alerts in place. Concerns are high for two points along the River Ray in Oxfordshire, with fears that the River Nene could overflow in two spots east of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire. Less severe flood alerts include the River Wandle area in South London's boroughs of Wandsworth, Merton, Lambeth, Croydon, and Sutton.

The Environment Agency also warns that the Lower River Soar in Leicestershire is expected to burst its banks due to today's rainfall.