Thunderstorms hit UK as red heat warning grips millions
The UK has been hit by thunderstorms across parts of north Wales, northern England and the Midlands, even as a severe red extreme heat warning continues to affect millions in London and south-east England.
The Met Office warning remains in place until 21:00 BST, with officials warning of dangerous conditions linked to the ongoing heatwave.
Overnight temperatures remained high, with a provisional peak of 22.7C recorded in West Sussex, narrowly missing the June overnight record set in Cardiff earlier this week.
The extreme weather follows the hottest June day on record, when temperatures reached 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, triggering widespread disruption across the country.
Schools have closed, transport services have been delayed, and hosepipe bans remain in place in parts of Kent as authorities struggle with the impact of the heatwave.
Officials continue to monitor unstable conditions as thunderstorms and extreme heat affect different regions at the same time.
