The Met Office has issued a 15-hour thunderstorm warning as temperatures continue to soar.

Forecasters say the yellow warning, which will be in place from 6pm tonight, will affect most of England and Wales.

The warning will stay in place until 9am tomorrow morning.

A spokesman said thunderstorms could bring power cuts and travel delays as the UK edges towards potentially its hottest July day.

They said: "Scattered thunderstorms are expected to affect parts of south-west and southern England this evening, moving north quickly across the UK overnight, clearing Scotland and eastern England by mid-morning on Wednesday.

"Although some places will miss the thunderstorms altogether, where they do occur there is the potential for frequent lightning, hail and gusty winds, as well as sudden downpours in a few places."

Forecasters said there is a 'slight chance' of power cuts, damage to property from lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

Drivers have also been advised to be aware of spray and standing water leading to longer journey times by car and bus.

It comes as the mercury is due to soar above 29C on Tuesday and forecasters predict temperatures of up to 31C in the North West before the end of the week.