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A weather warning of possible flooding has been issued by the Met Office as parts of the UK are expected to be hit by heavy rain.
The alert is in force across large swathes of western and northern England and Wales. It is in place from 8am on Monday until midnight.
The Met Office said up to 40mm of rain could fall in three hours and the heavy rain could be accompanied by lightning.
The forecaster said: “Rain showers, some heavy and thundery, will gradually spread northwards across the region during Monday.
“Torrential rain is likely in places, with 15 to 20 mm falling in less than an hour and up to 30 to 40 mm in 3 hours.
“This is likely to result in localized flooding, slower travel times and a small risk of flooding to homes and businesses. Some of the heavy rain may be accompanied by thunderstorms, which could pose an additional hazard. Heavy rain will gradually ease after nightfall.”
The Met Office said that in the event of torrential rain and thunderstorms there is a risk of power cuts, possible flooding, cancellations of bus and train services and possible road closures.
Met Office four day forecast
Monday:
Rain showers move northeast across England and Wales, becoming heavy and thundery at times. Clear spells are felt in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England, but some slow-moving showers develop here.
Forecast for Tuesday to Thursday:
Unstable weather with showers on Tuesday. Dry weather on Wednesday, but showers and stronger winds will approach from the west later in the day and on Thursday. Average temperatures.
