Thunderstorms and hail are set to batter parts of the UK today, despite temperatures soaring to 26C earlier this week.

The Met Office forecast indicates conditions today will be "wet across northeast England and southern Scotland" at the outset, while "hail and thunder" remain possible across southern England and Wales. Many areas are expected to "feel humid" throughout the day.

Moving into this evening, the Met Office predicts showers will largely ease overnight before conditions become "mainly dry". "Chilly" weather is anticipated in the north, where frost could develop across rural areas.

Weather mapping service Ventusky indicates a significant risk of thunderstorms sweeping across a vast stretch of southern England and Wales at around 7pm this evening. The data suggests they are possible in 22 counties and principal areas.

Wales

Radnorshire

Brecknockshire

Glamorgan

Monmouthshire

Ceredigion

Carmarthenshire

England

Herefordshire

Gloucestershire

Cornwall

Devon

Somerset

Dorset

Wiltshire

Berkshire

Oxfordshire

Buckinghamshire

Bedfordshire

Hertfordshire

Middlesex

Essex

Kent

Suffolk

The Met Office has issued guidance for those facing thunderstorms. Prior to any storms hitting, residents are urged to "unplug any non-essential appliances" as lightning can trigger dangerous power surges.

People are also advised to "keep away from underground or low-lying spaces such as car parks, basements or underpasses" as flooding can develop with alarming speed. During a thunderstorm, the Met Office advises that you should "try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency" as telephone lines are capable of conducting electricity. "Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake," it adds.

Should you find yourself behind the wheel during a thunderstorm, experts recommend winding up the windows and remaining inside your vehicle. In the overwhelming majority of cars fitted with a metal roof and frame, the structure will function as a conductive Faraday cage, directing the electrical current around the occupants and safely into the ground.

The Met Office warns that soft-top convertibles "are the most at risk and could catch fire if struck by lightning". Drivers should also be mindful that electrical current can travel through various components of modern vehicles, including GPS and radio systems. "Cars with metal interior handles, foot pedals and steering wheels can also carry current," the guidance states.