UK warned to prepare for storms

A warning for thunderstorms has been issued by forecasters with parts of England and Wales braced for heavy rain and gusty winds today (Saturday).

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The Met Office's yellow national severe weather warning comes into effect at 9am and is in place until 6pm.

Forecasters said today was expected to be very showery, with frequent heavy showers - some thundery - with gusty winds and hail.

Up to 40mm of rain could fall over the course of a few hours - more rain than fell in the entire month of May.

Met Office data shows England had 32.8mm of rain last month, almost half the month's usual average.