UK weather: Heatwave makes way for storms as thundery showers prompt Met Office warnings

The hottest day of the year is feared to have cost the lives of three people on Tuesday

Heavy thunder showers have hit parts of the UK after the hottest day of the year which could have led to the deaths of at least three people.

Forecasters said temperatures were due to remain above average but should be cooler than on Tuesday when they reached a sweltering 33.5C in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire.

The Met Offfice issued yellow warnings about the intense storms, including hail and strong winds, which could cause flash flooding across large areas of the UK.

In the Western Isles, 31mm of rain fell in an intense burst on Wednesday morning, the Met Office said.

The heatwave is feared to have cost the lives of three people who died in separate incidents while cooling off.

A 16-year-old boy died while playing with friends in the River Etherow near Hyde, Greater Manchester, on Tuesday.

Staffordshire Police issued a warning to people to stay safe in the hot weather after a 46-year-old man died after jumping into a canal in Burton-on-Trent on Monday night.

A body was recovered from Lammas Lake in Wraysbury, Surrey, on Tuesday evening after police received reports of concern for the safety of a man in the water. Officers were uncertain if the death was weather-related but said the man was with a group of people at the time.

Stifling conditions in London led to an outbreak of disorder at a water fight in Hyde Park as three people, including a police officer, were stabbed, while four officers and a member of public suffered other injuries.

There were lightning strikes across northern England and Scotland as intense thundery showers rolled across from the west coast.

Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkhill said: "We have had the hottest day of the year and we still have warm, humid conditions across much of the UK.

"There's heavy thundery showers across northern parts, with frequent lightning and intense downpours.

"Further south, there will still be local showers, some heavy, but the main picture is it being dry and hot again.

"On Thursday there will be some showers but not as heavy and it will be generally dry for many. There will be temperatures of 25-26C for some, which is above average."

He predicted that temperatures would have peaked following Tuesday's high, and the coming days and nights will feel fresher, bringing relief for those struggling to sleep.

Press Association