THE Met Office has warned of thunderstorms across Dorset which includes a chance of 40mm of rain falling within an hour.

Expected from 12-8pm on September 20, the Met Office has reported that, while many places will remain dry, thunderstorms and heavy showers could cause delays across Dorset.

A few thundery showers may be present across southern and southeast England in the morning of Friday before it is expected to develop more widely after midday.

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "Whilst some places will remain dry, where thundery showers do occur, they will bring frequent lightning, gusty winds, potentially some large hail, as well as brief spells of heavy rain.

"15-25 mm of rainfall may fall within an hour, with a very small chance of 30-40 mm falling in 3 hours; the latter most likely across southwest England. Showers will tend to ease and fade during Friday evening."

The public has been told to expect damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning alongside poor driving conditions due to rain and hail.

It has also wanted that the thunderstorms may cause delays to trains and a short-term loss of power.