Forecasters say torrential downpours could cause travel disruption, and flooding is also possible.

The weather warning area has been expanded westwards and northwards, and is in force until 11.59pm tonight.

Check the five-day weather forecast where you are

Where thunderstorms do occur, up to 40mm of rain could fall in as little as one hour - rising to 60mm over a two or three-hour period.

"These torrential downpours may be accompanied by frequent lightning, whilst gusty winds and hail may also affect a few places," the Met Office alert added.

The thunderstorms are mainly expected to happen in the afternoon and early evening, with forecasters warning their exact location "will be hard to pinpoint".

Changes to the warning area are possible in the hours ahead.

Revellers at Glastonbury have been told they may need to take shelter as the thunderstorms sweep the country.

Festival attendees were told to pack for all eventualities - light showers are predicted on Friday and Saturday, with heavier rain on Sunday.