Severe thunderstorms are set to lash the UK after the country saw its longest stretch of extreme temperatures since the 1960s.
Flooding, damage to buildings, travel disruption and power cuts are expected, with weather warnings issued across much of England, Wales and Scotland.
Yesterday the mercury soared above 34C for the sixth day in a row in parts of southern England, for the first time since 1961.
Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst said: “It’s not often we get temperatures this high over several days, and that is triggering thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales.”
Hot Weather: Tuesday 11 August
Today a yellow thunderstorm warning will be in place across Wales and most of England – excluding the North East – when sunny spells could see maximum temperatures of 32C in the South East.
Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland may experience power cuts and flooding during thundery showers in the morning, with the weather warning due to lift before midday.
Meanwhile, water firms are advising customers in certain areas to restrict their water usage amid sweltering conditions.
Thames Water said that ongoing power supply issues in Guildford meant it was using tankers to bring water into the area, as it urged customers to use water for essential purposes only in the coming days.
Essex and Suffolk Water said that due to “record water demand” it was working to maintain supplies but users could notice lower than normal pressure.
On Wednesday evening, the Met Office issued an amber thunderstorm warning for most of Wales, the West Midlands and parts of the North West after severe thunderstorms sparked flooding and disruption.
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Gloucestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it was experiencing “high call volumes” due to bad weather and had been made aware of flash flooding in Gloucester.
“Whilst the bad weather continues, please be careful and only travel if absolutely necessary and with extreme caution,” it tweeted.
Elsewhere, Cheshire Police said they were dealing with a number of weather-related incidents in the village of Tarporley, including fallen trees and flash flooding.
They advised residents in the area to avoid all but essential travel.
Some 10 flood alerts covering areas in the West Midlands were issued by the Environment Agency, alongside three flood warnings – meaning immediate action is required.
Two of the warnings, which indicate flooding is expected, covered the River Trent, while third was issued for Sandyford Brook in Stafford.
Three people died after a train derailed in Aberdeenshire amid heavy rain and flooding across Scotland.
British Transport Police (BTP) said those pronounced dead at the scene near Stonehaven included the train’s driver, while six people were injured in the crash.
