A major band of heavy rain and thunderstorms is moving across parts of the UK today, with the Met Office warning of lightning, hail and localised flooding.

Yellow thunderstorm warnings are in place across parts of England and Wales, as warm and humid conditions give way to slow-moving, intense rain. The Met Office says some areas could experience frequent lightning, heavy downpours and hail, creating disruption for roads and other travel.

The latest forecast shows thunderstorms and heavy rain moving northwards through England and Wales, with particularly unsettled conditions expected in central and northern areas. Parts of the West Midlands face a risk of localised flooding and hail.

London and southeast England are also experiencing heavy, potentially thundery rain, although conditions are expected to become drier later in the day.

The unsettled weather comes after an exceptionally warm and dry period across much of Britain.

The Met Office is urging people to remain alert to changing conditions as thunderstorms can develop quickly and cause sudden disruption.