THUNDERSTORMS, lightning and hail could be set to sweep across Dorset later this week, the Met Office is warning.

A yellow warning – meaning be aware – has been issued and is valid from 6am on Thursday until 6am on Friday.

The Met Office says “intense downpours” could bring a “low risk of sudden flooding” while lightning and hail may also occur.

The warning said: “While these storms may miss many places, where they do develop intense downpours are likely, bringing a low risk of sudden flooding of roads, transport routes, homes and businesses.

“Lightning and hail may be additional hazards.”

A spokesperson said: “Isolated thunderstorms are expected to push north across southern England early Thursday, before developing across other parts of England and Wales during the early afternoon.

“25-30 mm of rain may fall within an hour, perhaps 50 mm in 3 hours, however such totals are likely to be very isolated, with many places staying dry.

“Some intense showers and thunderstorms may continue overnight into Friday morning before clearing into the North Sea.”

Temperatures are set to warm up over the next few days with highs of 24C on Thursday and 25C on Friday.