A DRAMATIC thunderstorm roared, rumbled and flashed across the skies over Dorset on Monday night.

The spectacular sight was watched by residents across the county with some capturing the events on camera as they unfolded.

The arrival of the incoming storm could be seen in the form of a shelf cloud formation which was captured moving across Dorset.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Fiona LawrencePicture by Fiona Lawrence

The Met Office describes the shelf cloud, or arcus cloud, as 'spectacular low-level, long and thin clouds associated with powerful thunderstorms'.

WATCH: Spectacular shelf cloud captured over Durdle Door

The storm came after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning of thunderstorms for the whole of Dorset.

The weather alert was in force from 2pm on Monday afternoon until 2am this morning.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said some places could see torrential rain with 20-30 mm falling in one hour and 50-80mm in three hours.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Roy HornyakPicture by Roy Hornyak

There are currently no weather warnings in force for Dorset today.

However, according to the Met Office forecast there is a 70 per cent chance of thunderstorm at 10am and 11am and again at 3pm and 4pm.

At 6pm, there is a 50 per cent chance of storms.

Bournemouth Echo: Picture by Mark BeyerPicture by Mark Beyer

The unsettled spell is set to continue into Wednesday with further chance of thunderstorms during much of the day.

Temperatures are set to remain at around 18C.

Later in the week, the Met Office forecast suggests heavy rain on Thursday and light rain on Friday.

Looking ahead, the weekend is expected to be dry with highs of around 19C.

The Daily Echo will keep you updated if any further weather warnings are issued.