London weather forecast: UK faces a month's rain in one day with flooding and lightning likely in parts of country

Parts of Britain are facing a month’s rainfall in less than six hours on Tuesday, with autumnal leaves expected to hamper drainage and make flooding more likely.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for much of the UK by the Met Office, including most of England and Wales.

Short but severe showers will move from the south-west in the morning to the north-east by the evening.

Meteorologists have warned flooding could hit businesses and homes in areas hit by the worst downpours.

Commuters in London can also expect a sodden commute into work in the morning, while workers in the north will be battered with rain as they head home.

Police forces around the country have put out warnings urging people not to travel unless necessary in the bad weather.

Craig Snell, a meteorologist at the Met Office, told the Standard: "We are expecting some fairly heavy rainfall, with 15 to 30 millimetres in most areas.

“In some places we could see around 70mm.

“We could see a month’s worth of rain in a few locations in a few hours."

Mr Snell went on: "Tomorrow morning we’ll start to see a band of heavy rain move across the West Country.

“It will move up the country and be over London during the morning rush hour.

“During the day the band will work its way northwards, and by the evening rush hour will be over areas of the north east such as Newcastle.

“In the south, commuters can expect difficulty getting to work, and in the north, difficulty commuting home.

"But by this stage southern parts of the country should be a bit drier.

“The heavy rain could lead to problems if it’s over a town."

Mr Snell added: “Most locations will see less than six hours of rain, so there it is likely there will be a lot of surface water.

“And at this time of year a lot of leaves will be falling from the trees.

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“It is likely there will be localised flooding to businesses and homes.

“There will also be some strong and gusty winds and a chance of lightning and thunder.

“We are expecting more rain this week in the west and northern areas, with the heaviest over parts of Wales.”

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