UK weather: Rain, thunder and lightning expected as Met Office issues yellow warning for much of England and Scotland

Localised flooding is expected in some regions

A tourist in London shelters under an umbrella during a downpour (Getty )

Say goodbye to lazy summer evenings outside the pub: normal service is due to resume.

The Met Office has issued weather warnings across much of the UK, with incidences of localised flooding, lightning and thunder expected in the coming 24 hours.

England and much of Scotland’s east coast can expected up to 50mm of rain on Friday, following Thursday’s downpour which caused localised incidents of flooding after a month’s rain fell in a few hours.

The Met Office claims residents should be aware of “significant risk” of flooding and warned lightning may also affect some part of the UK. The Environment Agency has also issued five alerts in the south-east of England, as well as four in the Midlands, and said flooding was possible.

Much of the UK is blanketed in a yellow – ‘Be Aware’ – weather warning for Friday with forecasters expecting heavy rain, thunder and a risk of localised flooding.

Although parts of the UK may experience some bright patches today, much of the country will remain shrouded in cloud.

“The main trend through the day is for the rain to gradually push its way eastwards with brighter fresher conditions starting to move in from the west and that sort of sets the scene really for the weekend,” a Met Office spokesperson said.

Additional reporting by Press Association