Parts of Dorset could see thunderstorms on Sunday, as the Met Office issue their first ever warning for thunderstorms.

Between 6am and 10pm on Sunday, some areas could see torrential rain, hail and lightning, the warning says.

"Heavy showers and thunderstorms may affect parts of south west England during Sunday morning, becoming more widespread and also spreading into south Wales by the afternoon.

"30 to 40 mm of rain in an hour is possible, though the scattered nature of the showers means it is not certain where these higher totals and any impacts may occur.



"However where surface water flooding or lightning impacts do occur they are likely to be in only a few places rather than across the whole warning area.

"The greatest chance of impacts is in the afternoon, with the risk decreasing again on Sunday evening."

The current forecast for Bournemouth is for sunny intervals on Sunday, with temperatures around 24C.

The Met Office has introduced two new types of weather warning - one for thunderstorms and one for lightning.

These new warnings are part of a number of changes to the Met Office National Severe Weather Warnings Service (NSWWS).

Other changes include issuing warnings up to seven days ahead of impact, as opposed to the current five days, and making the warnings easier to understand. 

These changes have been made following feedback from the public and emergency responders.

Mel Harrowsmith, Met Office Head of Civil Contingencies said: “One of our key priorities is to continuously evolve and improve the quality and delivery of Met Office weather warnings, as they are essential for protecting life and property in the UK.

"Many of you will have already seen some of the changes to the look and feel of warnings on our website and app, reflecting the findings from our user research and these new warnings should help people plan for the impacts of torrential summer downpours and lightning strikes.”