THUNDERSTORMS and heavy rain could be on the cards for Dorset this week, the Met Office has warned.

A yellow weather alert has been issued for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole, and the rest of the county.

The alert will be in force between 9pm on Thursday, October 12, until around midnight on Friday, October 13.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Rain, heavy and persistent at times, is expected to develop through Thursday evening, before affecting much of England and Wales through Friday.

“Rain gradually clears from the north through Friday afternoon and evening. Widely 10-20 mm of rain is likely but in the wettest spots 30-50 mm is possible, and some high ground of Wales especially could see 60 to 70 mm.

“Across the south of the area its possible some thunderstorms may break out, and these could bring 20-30 mm of rainfall in a couple of hours.”

In terms of what to expect, the Met Office says spray and flooding on roads may make journey times longer and also affect bus and train services.

It said flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely.

Currently the Met Office forecast suggests a 50 per cent chance of light rain at 8pm and 9pm on Thursday night with an 80 per cent chance of heavy rain from 10pm until 7am.

Then throughout the day on Friday, there will be further spells of rain, some of which will be heavy.