Parts of the UK are facing being hit by almost a month’s worth of rain in the space of a couple of hours.

The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning for much of Scotland and the north of England, in place from midday until 9pm on Thursday.

Heavy showers may cause flooding and travel disruption, with forecasters warning there is a small chance of fast-flowing or deep flood waters that could cause danger to life.

The meteorologist Emma Smith said 30mm of rain could fall in one hour, while 50mm could fall within two to three hours. The average amount of rainfall in July for the UK as a whole is 70mm, while the July average for England is 55-56mm.

The yellow thunderstorm alert from the Met Office warns there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with potential damage to some buildings from flood water or lightning strikes.

In places where there is flooding or lightning, there is a chance of delays and cancellations to train and bus services.

Forecasters are also warning of difficult driving conditions, with road closures and power cuts possible.