Thunderstorm warning London: when will city get thunder and lightning - and Met Office weather forecast

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for London and many other parts in the south of England, just days after the UK basked in heatwave conditions.

This comes just one day after the summer solstice, which saw the longest day of the year in the UK, and marked the start of summer.

But it seems that just one day after summer officially started in the UK, the weather will take a nasty turn.

There hasn’t been many signs of weather warning since a barrage of many that were issued around the time when Storm Eunice and more rolled into the UK.

When is the weather warning coming into action in London?

The weather warning is for a thunderstorm, and does not become live until 10am, and will last for just shy of 14 hours.

With poor weather expected, but temperatures expected to peak at around 24C, it may be a very uncomfortable day in the comfortable.

What does a yellow weather warning mean?

The weather warning system is made up of three colours, yellow, orange and red. Yellow is the mildest of the three, but should still be taken seriously.

Red is the most extreme, and prior to the arrival of Storm Eunice earlier in the year, it had been over half a decade since a red weather warning in the UK was issued.

What can we expect from a yellow weather warning?

According to the Met Office, this is what you can expect from a yellow weather warning.

• There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds

• There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep flood water causing danger to life

• Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services

• Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures

• There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost

• There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads 

What should I do during a thunderstorm?

There are many myths that are banded around during a thunderstorm, with many not being true, but courtesy of the Met Office, here is how to stay safe during a thunderstorm.

• Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency

• If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects

• Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake

• Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles

• If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground

• If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately