THUNDERSTORMS and hail are affecting areas of Dorset this evening, and are forecast again in the county tomorrow.

Tonight (Tuesday April 2) damaging winds and gusts of up to 54 kilometres per hour have been predicted by Accuweather.

Heavy rain will change to partly-cloudy skies by nighttime, according to the Met Office, but tomorrow will see a frosty start to the morning with a risk of ice. Scattered showers are predicted to continue through the day with a risk of hail and thunder.

Earlier this afternoon hail was reported in parts of Dorset, including Dorchester and Sherborne.