Dorset could be in for a battering by thunderstorms today, the Met Office has warned.

With this blazing hot sunshine we've been having it is hard to imagine that today could see torrential downpours, thunder and lightning - however the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for 'severe thunderstorms' for the whole of England from today until Thursday.

The heatwave is forecast to continue here in the south west - we are in for a "very hot day", weather experts say, and mercury could rise to 32 degrees C.

However thundery showers are possible throughout the day "which may give some torrential downpours in places."

The Met Office has told residents what to expect:

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes and large hail.
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to public transport.
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and increased chance of accidents.
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost
  • There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life