A yellow thunderstorm warning means sudden flooding, lightning and power cuts could hit Kent today – but an end to the drought is still months away.

The Met Office has predicted that hit-and-miss thunderstorms are likely to develop through the day producing some torrential downpours and possible disruption.

The warning, which is in place from 10am until Wednesday, was first issued on Saturday.

Power cuts and delays to trains and buses are predicted, while spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions for motorists.

Despite the predicted downpours it is still likely the UK will be facing drought conditions until October.

The UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology has forecast rivers to be low and exceptionally low in central and southern England.

Met Office figures have also revealed that the south-east has had just 144 days with little or no rain since January, the longest dry period since the 1970s.

Greg Dewhurst, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said the week would start off quite humid before cooling down later on.

He said: “We’ll start off initially quite humid, particularly across the south and the east of the UK, with thundery showers and sunny spells, but it will gradually become cooler and fresher as the week goes on.

“First half of the week, we’re looking at some heavy downpours and thunderstorms developing.

"As we head towards Tuesday, temperatures are around 26C or 27C. Wednesday Thursday will be the mid 20s.

“So probably Monday is the last day where we’ll see temperatures above 30C for the rest of the week.”

Drivers have been urged to drive carefully amid predictions of flash flooding.

During a thunderstorm you should avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake.

You should also be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails.

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.