DORSET could experience ‘intense thunderstorms’ and ‘torrential rain’ this week following a warm spell of weather.

Met Office originally issued weather warnings for thunderstorms between Wednesday evening (June 15) from 6pm to Friday morning (June 17) at 6am.

With warnings of potential flooding and travel disruption, the weather forecaster has now altered the timings of the original warning and now issued a second thunderstorms alert.

Two separate thunderstorm warnings are now in place – the first between 6pm on Wednesday, June 16 and 11.59pm on Thursday, June 17 and a second alert in place for 9am on Friday, June 18 and 9am on Saturday, June 19.

The first weather warning covers a large section of England and Wales, but the second alert is smaller but covers Dorset, Somerset and Wiltshire. 

Bournemouth Echo: The Met Office weather warning for thunderstorms on Wednesday, June 16 until Thursday, June 17. Picture: Met OfficeThe Met Office weather warning for thunderstorms on Wednesday, June 16 until Thursday, June 17. Picture: Met Office

The revised warnings state: “Some places are likely to see thunderstorms later Wednesday through to Friday with the potential for travel disruption and flooding.

“Thunderstorms may once again develop across much of England and east Wales through Friday, lasting into Saturday.”

Met Office has warned residents that 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.’

It adds that 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.

Additionally, there is a ‘slight chance’ that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

Bournemouth Echo: The Met Office weather warning for thunderstorms on Friday, June 18 until Saturday June 19. Picture: Met OfficeThe Met Office weather warning for thunderstorms on Friday, June 18 until Saturday June 19. Picture: Met Office

Met Office has warned ‘some intense thunderstorms may occur during this period’ and there is a chance of torrential rain, hail, frequent lightning and ‘strong gusty winds’.

Some areas could experience rainfall of around 30 mm in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving around 50 mm in two to three hours, although these will be fairly isolated.

The weather warning for Friday states: “Another spell of thundery rain is expected to push north across England and east Wales through Friday morning, persisting for much of the day, before clearing early on Saturday.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset could be struck by thunderstorms this week after the Met Office issued a weather warning. Picture: Mark PellymounterDorset could be struck by thunderstorms this week after the Met Office issued a weather warning. Picture: Mark Pellymounter

“There is some uncertainty in storm coverage, particularly western extent, but where they do develop torrential rain, intense thunderstorms, hail and frequent lightning are all possible.

“Rainfall totals of 20-40 mm, perhaps 60 mm in a few areas, are possible in 12 hours.

“With the most intense storms, 30-40 mm could fall in an hour or two. The storms should clear into the North Sea during Saturday morning.”