Flash Floods Warning As Mercury To Hit 27C

It could be the hottest of the year today - but "intense thunderstorms" risk bringing flash floods and travel chaos.

The mercury could reach as high as 27C in London by lunchtime, but up to 2 to 3cm of rain could fall in less than an hour this afternoon in the south.

Thunder and lightning are expected as stormy weather moves across the Channel from France to the South West and Wales.

The Met Office has warned of potential flooding, issuing a yellow severe weather alert.

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The hottest recorded day of the year so far was last Friday, 5 June, when 26.7C (80.06F) was recorded in Frittenden in Kent.

But although today could be hotter, the sunshine will be interrupted by the "intense thunderstorms" in the mid-afternoon in the south.

These storms will move to central and northern parts this evening, threatening flash floods, said Sky's weather presenter Isobel Lang.

"It will be hot and humid but there are likely to be some intense downpours," she said.

"Driving conditions will be difficult with the heavy rain and gusty winds, and some local flooding is possible."

Following the severe thunderstorms will be a band of more widespread and heavy downpours tonight and into tomorrow.

Up to 5cm of rain is expected to fall.

After the storms the weekend is expected to be slightly cooler and bright, and there are high hopes for good weather all of next week.

Lang said: "We should expect some really nice weather next week with temperatures into the mid 70s and lots of sun. This could continue into next weekend."