A THUNDERSTORM warning for Dorset has been extended for two days and will now be in force on Monday and Tuesday.

The first warning will be in force between 10am and midnight on Monday, August 15.

The new warning will come into force at 12am until midnight on Tuesday, August 16.

The Met Office has warned that heavy rain, hail and “frequent lightning” is possible.

As much as 20mm to 30mm of rainfall could be seen in an hour with potential for flooding in some areas.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Whilst some places will miss them, thunderstorms and areas of heavy rain seem likely to develop quite widely on Tuesday across parts of England and Wales.

“20-30 mm of rain is possible within an hour, but where areas of thundery rain become slow-moving, some places could see 50 mm in less than three hours.

“There is a low probability that higher totals could occur in a few spots over the course of the day, while hail and frequent lightning are likely additional hazards for some places.

“There is considerable uncertainty at this stage in regional and county level focus.”

What to expect:

  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.
  • 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.
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

An amber weather warning for "extreme heat" is currently in force for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and the wider Dorset area.

It will be in place until 11.59pm on Sunday.