The warning says thunderstorms are expected through the morning, before gradually clearing from the east - with travel disruption and flooding possible.

There is a chance of of power cuts and damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

It comes as overnight fire crews were called to a lightning strike which damaged the roof at a residential care home in Alleyne Way, Elmer, at 1.44am.

MORE ON WEATHER

RAGING STORM

Urgent warning for today after homes hit by lightning & Brits woken by thunder

THUNDER & FRIGHTENING

Travel chaos and homes damaged as lightning and thunder batter UK

Today’s forecast reads: “Early thundery rain across southern England and south Wales easing.

“Some bright spells developing, although further thundery showers may develop later.

“Some warm sunshine elsewhere, but chilly around North Sea coasts where there could be some low cloud.”

Marco Petagna, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said some places could see their warmest temperatures of the year on Thursday.

This would come a day after Wednesday saw temperatures peak at their highest yet in 2024 at 22.1C.

He said: "After a night of storms, the rain will ease in the south of England for a while tomorrow. We could see the skies brightening up in a few places and it will be another warm day. Parts of the South East could even get to 24 degrees and beat today's temperatures.

But as the skies brighten and temperatures increase, this could spark a few more thundery showers in the afternoon, so it is likely to still be a bit unsettled and the forecast will be changeable over the next few days."

The Met Office advised the storms might cause travel disruption and some flooding, leading to "difficult driving conditions and some road closures".

Two buildings in Sussex were damaged by lightning strikes overnight, according to West Sussex Fire & Rescue.

A care home in Elmer was struck with damage to its roof while a university building in Chichester sustained damaged to its roof and power system.

The service said no one was injured from the strikes and occupants were relocated to safety while the damage was assessed.

There is also a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services, along with a small possibility of power cuts.

While southern parts of the country experienced heavy rain, areas in the North should stay dry and warm.

Looking ahead to the Bank Holiday weekend, Mr Petagna said the forecast showed a "very mixed picture".

Most areas of the country are likely to experience some rain but temperatures will remain fairly warm, in the mid to late teens.

There are likely to be showers across the country on Monday. Wednesday was the warmest day of the year so far, as temperatures reached a peak of 22.1C in Santon Downham in Suffolk.

Meanwhile, the temperature in Scotland reached 21.9C in Aultbea in the north-west Highlands.

However, while some areas of the UK experienced their warmest temperatures of the year, there were wide variations across the country.