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Lightning Seen Across UK As Heatwave Continues

Spectacular displays of lightning have been seen across the country, as thunder and heavy downpours followed Friday's above-average temperatures.

There had been Met Office warnings of possible torrential rain during the first half of Saturday, with the possibility of surface flooding.

But those warnings were lifted by midday and by the afternoon most of the country, with the exception of the far north of Scotland and Northern Ireland, was expected to see sunny spells.

The weather front swept up from the south overnight, and further patchy storms are possible as the heatwave continues.

The storms began trending on Twitter – with fork and sheet lightning reported in London, Surrey, Southampton and Bournemouth.

Forecaster John Griffiths said lightning strikes were reported in London and the south coast, as well as Wales and warned that thundery showers would move north into Scotland and the north of England.

He added that further showers are expected on Sunday, with additional thundery outbreaks most likely in the southwest and most of the west coast.

Earlier this week, Britain basked in the hottest July day on record, but storms with hailstones the size of golf balls followed, causing an estimated £1.5m in damage to cars.

Today's temperatures could rise to 29C (84F) in East Anglia later, and warmer-than-usual conditions are also expected elsewhere.