The Met Office has issued fresh warnings for thunderstorms expected to bring further wet weather to parts of the United Kingdom on Thursday. The first alert began at 02:00 BST, forecasting thunder and heavy rain for south-east England in the early hours.

A second, broader warning came into effect at 06:00 BST, covering a wider area of England and Wales. This alert is set to last until 22:00 BST, with the potential for slow-moving storms in the afternoon and evening. The downpours could lead to localised flash flooding and disrupt travel, with some areas potentially receiving up to 75mm (3in) of rain.

Accompanying the rain are forecasts of large hail, lightning, and gusty winds, contributing to humid conditions for many. The initial heavy downpours are expected to move northwards from southern England and south Wales on Thursday morning, bringing lightning, hail, and squally winds. These conditions are then predicted to track across mid and north Wales, the Midlands, and parts of eastern England, reaching northern England by early afternoon.

While these initial storms move away, skies are expected to brighten with sunny spells, though scattered, heavy, and thundery showers remain possible. Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to see some rain later in the day, but are expected to avoid the most severe weather. Within the Met Office's yellow warning areas, 20-30mm (0.8-1.2in) of rain could fall within a few hours, potentially reaching 50mm (2in) over a 12-hour period. Exposed hills could see as much as 75mm (3in).

These conditions raise concerns about hazardous driving, potential road closures, and communities becoming cut off. Lightning strikes carry the risk of power outages, and hailstones measuring 1-2cm (0.4-0.8in) are also anticipated. The increased rainfall may offer some relief to drought-stricken areas of England and Wales, but experts caution that months of persistent rain are needed to fully replenish water supplies.

The outlook for the upcoming weekend, which includes the bank holiday for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, suggests spells of rain will continue, accompanied by windy conditions, particularly in the south. This mixed forecast affects several major events, including the Reading and Leeds Festivals, Creamfields, Manchester Pride, and the Notting Hill Carnival.

Organisers and attendees of outdoor events face uncertainty as a zone of wet weather is forecast to move eastwards across England and Wales on Saturday. While drier conditions may spread from the west later in the day, periods of rain are likely. Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to experience drier conditions earlier in the weekend.

The Met Office has indicated that the persistent wet weather is necessary to address the ongoing dry spell, but the immediate risk of flash flooding in areas with dry, hardened ground remains a concern.