Thunderstorms and torrential downpours are set to hit Kent, just days after a hosepipe ban was introduced following scorching temperatures.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for storms across the county between 10am and midnight on Monday.

Despite very warm temperatures - with highs of around 30c predicted - there are signs of low pressure, bringing the risk of showery conditions.

The warning covers much of the UK, including the whole of Kent.

The Met Office says there could be damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds and where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and cancellations to train and bus services and potential power cuts.

Forecasters say the day will start with showers, which will likely become heavier and more widespread through the late morning and afternoon, lasting into the evening in places.

A spokesman said: "Some counties are likely to miss the worst of these storms but where they do occur, slow-moving torrential downpours could produce 20-30 mm inside an hour, with 40-50 mm falling in around 2-3 hours in a few spots.

"Hail and frequent lightning could pose additional hazards for some."

Kent County Council has warned of the risk that rain could fall in the form of thundery and torrential downpours, which - given the parched ground – would run off and lead to potential surface water flooding.

The Met Office says it is likely to become drier again from Thursday, with daytime highs generally in the low to mid-20s.

Elsewhere, the Met Office's Fire Severity Index - which assesses how severe a fire could become if one were to start - remains ‘very high’ or ‘exceptional’ until tomorrow, but gradually reduces during next week.

Meanwhile, the Heat-Health Alert - which helps healthcare workers manage in extreme temperatures - remains at the second most severe Level 3 for South East England until Tuesday.