West Midlands weather: Thunderstorm warnings after hottest day of the year

The mercury today hit 32C in parts today, with people are urged to drink plenty of water and avoid dehydrating alcoholic and caffeinated drinks, close curtains to keeps rooms cool, open windows and avoid people and animals being left in closed, parked vehicles which can get extremely hot.

But there is a yellow warning of rain stretching from Tuesday evening and into Wednesday evening, with up to 2in (50mm) expected in some parts, bringing a risk of flash flooding - the likes of which has already caused problems this summer.

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A statement form the Met Office said: "There is potential for some severe thunderstorms to develop across Wales, northern England and the Midlands.

"Here, the risk is greatest during Wednesday, by which time the risk of storms will be reducing across the west of the yellow area - and then finally also reducing across the east of the area by Wednesday evening as storms tend to clear away northeastwards.

"Whilst most places will miss the worst, please be aware of the risk of localised flash flooding.

"Frequent lightning, large hail and strong winds could be additional hazards.

"All of this could lead to some flooding of homes, businesses and transport networks. Disruption to power is also possible."

The hot weather has been caused by a warm plume of air that has worked its way northwards from Spain, the Met Office said.

Tomorrow will still see highs reaching the low 30Cs, but by Thursday fresher conditions from the Atlantic will bring temperatures down to the more comfortable mid-20Cs, reaching around 22C (71.6F) to 24C (75.2F) by Friday and Saturday.