Half a month's rainfall to come in just 24 hours as UK braces for thunderstorms, lightning, floods and hail
Weather warnings are in place across the UK, with much of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and northern and south-west England under yellow alerts until 10pm tonight.
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From 6pm Sunday until 6pm Monday, eastern Northern Ireland faces particularly severe conditions, with forecasters warning of heavy rainfall, lightning and the risk of flooding.
Met Office forecaster Simon Partridge said: 'It looks like Northern Ireland is the place where we could see the most rainfall and certainly the most impactful rainfall.
"They could see 50 to 75mm of rain within 12 to 18 hours.'
With the UK typically recording around 89mm of rain in July, Northern Ireland could be hit with more than half of that total in less than a day.
Thunderstorm warnings are also in place from 3am to 9pm on Monday across the south and east of England, with the Midlands, northern England and Scotland covered from 11am.
The Met Office says some areas could see 20-40mm of rain in just two hours.
More than ten flood alerts remain active in Scotland, and weather experts warn of potential travel disruption, delays to bus and train services, and even the possibility of power cuts.
There is also a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.
'Certainly a significant amount of rainfall in a couple of hours, which will bring some local issues,' said Mr Partridge.
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'You will see quite a lot of water on the roads and difficult driving conditions.
"Hopefully nothing more significant than that, it certainly won't be an issue for any of the rivers because they are quite low.'
The stormy spell is being driven by low pressure and warm, humid air.
Although not every area under a warning will see rain, the Met Office says heavy, thundery showers are likely for many, with lightning, hail and gusty winds possible.
'One bit of good news is it has been very muggy overnight.
"Tonight will be less muggy across the southern half of the UK,' Mr Partridge added.
The unsettled weather looks set to continue, with more showers expected on Tuesday and the potential for further thundery downpours in the south-east on Wednesday.
Temperatures are forecast to stay around average for this time of year, but motorists are being urged to take extra care on the roads amid hazardous driving conditions.
The Met Office has issued a total of six yellow warnings for rain and thunderstorms, with conditions expected to remain wet and stormy into the week.
Some parts of Cornwall, south-west Wales, and central and eastern England could also be at risk of fast-flowing water.
Chief meteorologist Andy Page said: 'The intense rainfall could lead to surface water flooding as well as frequent lightning and hail too.
"This weekend is expected to be busy on the roads as more schools in England and Wales break up for the summer holidays, so it's important people keep up to date with the very latest forecast.'
The Environment Agency has issued six flood alerts, with further impacts possible in the south-west until Monday.
In Scotland, 16 flood alerts remain active across much of the country.
Some regions in south-west England already recorded 75mm of rain yesterday, while parts of central and east England saw 30mm in under an hour.
More weather warnings may be issued in the days ahead.
Chief meteorologist Jason Kelly added: 'Keep an eye on the Met Office forecast for updates as the picture develops.'
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today
Cloudy and rather humid at first with bands of rain spreading steadily northwards, heaviest in the southwest and across Scotland. Brighter by the afternoon but the risk of heavy, thundery showers remains. Fresher for many, feeling warm in the sunshine.
Tonight
Rain continues to affect Scotland and Northern Ireland overnight, whilst further heavy showers spread into the south, Drier with clear spells across Wales and central England. Mild but less muggy.
Monday
Another cloudy, damp start, particularly for the southeast and across Northern Ireland. Brighter elsewhere, though showers soon return; heavy, thundery, and with a risk of hail by the afternoon.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday
Sunny spells and scattered showers remain the theme this week as low pressure continues to bring unsettled conditions. Less showers, more sunshine by Thursday, with temperatures around the seasonal average.
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