THUNDERSTORMS could bring the warm weather to a dramatic end, the Met Office has warned.

“Frequent” lightning, strong winds and even hail could occur with as much as 40 to 50mm of rainfall possible in the space of two to three hours.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area this weekend along with the rest of Dorset. 

Read more: Hour-by-hour forecast for BCP as warm spell continues (for now)

The alert will be in force between 12pm and 10pm on Sunday, May 12.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out in the south of this area late Sunday morning and early Sunday afternoon, moving steadily north whilst growing into larger areas of rain before clearing the area.

“Some intense downpours are possible in a few places, giving up to 30 mm in less than hour and perhaps 40-50 mm over 2 to 3 hours leading to surface water flooding. Hail, frequent lightning strikes and strong wind gusts will be additional localised hazards.”

Spray and sudden flooding could occur with delays to train and bus services possible along with power cuts.

The Met Office added: “There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life, particularly in places such as road and railway underpasses.”

Sunny spells and highs of 21C are expected on Saturday with 18C and cloudy conditions forecast for Sunday.