A THUNDERSTORM could bring “lightning and hail” to Dorset today, the Met Office has warned.

The yellow alert, which includes Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, will be in force between 10am and 10pm on Friday, July 22.

The Met Office says a few places could see slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “While some areas will remain dry, slow moving, heavy thunderstorms are likely to develop from mid to late morning, likely peaking during the afternoon and early evening before decaying later.

“Where thunderstorms do occur, 20-25 mm of rain is possible in less than an hour, and 40-50 mm could fall in 2 or 3 hours. Hail and frequent lightning are potential additional hazards.”

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says:

  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

Currently, the Met Office forecast for tomorrow suggests heavy rain between 9am and 11am.