Heavy rain forecast across UK with risk of hail and thunderstorms

Downpours are forecast for many parts of Britain on Thursday, with the wet weather set to persist.

Heavy rain – potentially bringing hail and thunderstorms – is expected in the capital and the east of England, travelling northwards throughout the day.

The Met Office previously had a yellow warning for rain in place until 10am for eastern Scotland, stretching from Edinburgh up to Aberdeen.

UK weather: Click here for your latest forecast

The heavy rainfall could bring a chance of some flooding and disruption, with those affected urged to take care when travelling.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency announced a yellow alert covering Dundee and Angus, Edinburgh and Lothians, Fife, Tayside and the Scottish Borders.

“Isolated flooding is likely on Thursday in eastern areas due to heavy thundery showers,” the agency said on its website.

The Met Office tweeted: “Sunshine and showers for breakfast Thursday morning, some of these heavy and thundery with hail in the mix too.”

Heavy rainfall is forecast in northwest England, north Wales and Northern Ireland later this evening.

Showers are mostly expected to clear but may remain near southern coasts, forecasters say.

The forecast remains uncertain due to the influence of two successive tropical systems in the Atlantic Ocean, the Met Office said.

However, many parts of the nation can expect clearer skies going into the weekend.

Met Office chief forecaster, Paul Gundersen, said: “The influence of low pressure – with associated thunderstorms and bouts of heavy rain – will continue to dominate this week, especially on Friday.

“There is a risk of potentially very heavy rain for a time on Friday for eastern and north-east England and southern Scotland.”

“Low pressure will finally move eastwards on Saturday, meaning that many will have a dry day with some sunshine,” he added.