THE Met Office has warned that thunderstorms may bring ‘intense downpours’ on Thursday.

Lightning, hail and heavy rain are forecast to develop across the country, bringing the risk of floods, between 6am on Thursday and 6am on Friday 6-7 July.

The Met Office severe weather warning has been issued for most of England, including Greater Manchester.

Bad weather is forecast to develop in the south before pushing northwards.

A spokesman said: “Isolated thunderstorms are likely to develop across parts of England and Wales from Thursday morning, before clearing east early on Friday.

“While these storms may miss many places, where they do develop intense downpours are likely, bringing a low risk of sudden flooding of roads, transport routes, homes and businesses. Lightning and hail may be additional hazards.”

The Met Office chief forecaster added: “Isolated thunderstorms are expected to push north across southern England early Thursday, before developing across other parts of England and Wales during the early afternoon.

“25-30 mm of rain may fall within an hour, perhaps 50 mm in 3 hours, however such totals are likely to be very isolated, with many places staying dry. Some intense showers and thunderstorms may continue overnight into Friday morning before clearing into the North Sea.”