UK weather forecast latest: Thunderstorms and heavy rain set to sweep across UK

Britain is set to be battered by heavy rain and thunderstorms over the coming days.

Showers swept over the south east this morning, while the worst of the deluge is expected on Friday across the country.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for the Welsh coast as commuters are urged to prepare for “travel disruption” due to the heavy rain.

Today, Londoners can expect brighter spells, as sunshine gradually emerges over the afternoon into the evening.

Meteorologist Oli Claydon told the Standard temperatures would continue to feel balmy across much of the UK, with highs of 25C in London on Thursday leading into a warm and humid Friday.

“But a drier start to tomorrow will give way to wetter conditions, as a fresh band of rain moves steadily eastwards from the south west,” he added.

Most of England will see some showers throughout the day, with thunder expected to sweep around Manchester and the west coast of Wales.

The Met’s weather warning extends from St David’s down to Swansea between 5am and 10am on Friday morning, when bus and train services will “probably” be affected by heavy rain.

Saturday will see a brighter start for some, with northern Scotland enjoying some welcome sunshine.

But Mr Claydon warned the weather would be largely “hit and miss” over the weekend.

And while the clouds will gradually clear across the south east and east coast of England on Saturday, he said there "will still be a mix of heavy, potentially thundery showers as well."

“It might be pouring with rain where you are, but clear and sunny 15 miles away,” he added.

It comes at the end of a hot and muggy week, with temperatures hitting 27C in London on Tuesday.

The mixed conditions come after London saw its hottest day of the year last month with temperatures reaching 34C – one of the warmest June days for 40 years