It seems any hope for a late May heatwave has finally come to an end for North Kent as the usual British weather returns.

In Medway this afternoon people saw hail pound down as if from nowhere.

The hail in Medway

Thunder and lightning was also heard across the Towns.

Huge amounts of hail also poured down in Gravesend before being replaced by a spell of sunshine only five or so minutes later.

This evening, there were delays in both directions on the A228 Seven Mile Lane in Mereworth, near Maidstone, due to flooding after a thunderstorm.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill said the stormy weather was caused by air rising up from the surface and creating large shower clouds in a process known as convergence.

He said: "We have plenty of showers that have developed across the UK, and the focus of those showers has pushed eastwards as we have gone through the day. We have seen some hail, some thunder, and some lightning."

A funnel cloud was also seen off the coast of Kent caused by movement in the air combining with the large storm clouds. A tornado is a funnel cloud, except a funnel cloud becomes a tornado when it touches the ground.

Mr Burkill said: "Even if it had come down to the ground it would have been quite a weak feature. I do not think it would have caused anyone any more problems than just a strong gust of wind."

The Met Office has said there should be sun and showers throughout the day with some becoming heavy and thundery later.

It has not issued any UK weather warnings.

The wet weather is due to continue until the early hours of tomorrow before clearing up.