Heavy rain, thunderstorms and even hail could sweep across Dorset just in time for the start of the bank holiday.

The Met Office has issued two severe weather warning for Friday and Saturday.

However, the actual Met Office forecast says it's only going to rain on Saturday evening with just a 70 per cent chance of precipitation between 7pm and 9pm.

The first warning is valid from 1pm until 11pm on Friday and says: "Many places will be dry this afternoon, although scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms will develop and continue through the evening in places, so be aware of the potential for localised surface water flooding."

A second warning is valid from 12noon until 9pm on Saturday.

The warning says: "Although some places will remain dry during Saturday, scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to develop through the afternoon and continue into the evening in places, so be aware of the potential for localised surface water flooding, whilst lightning and hail will also be additional hazards for travel and outdoor activities."

The Chief Forecaster said: "Heavy showers are expected to develop around midday on Saturday, with some thunderstorms likely during the afternoon, when they will tend to become organised into bands. Hail is also likely in some of the showers.

"The heaviest showers and thunderstorms could produce 20-25 mm of rain within an hour in a few places."