The Met Office said the “vast majority” of the lightning struck over the sea, but torrential downpours also hit land, causing significant flooding and disruption in Kent.
A major storm reached the county at around 10pm on Friday (June 13), prompting an amber weather warning and leaving homes in Dover under water.
It comes as late on Friday, the Environment Agency issued five flood warnings, where flooding is expected and immediate action is needed.
Staying Safe During a Thunderstorms
It also issued 49 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible.
A further six flood alerts have been put in place by Natural Resources Wales in South Wales.
Met Office records June 14 as the hottest day of the year so far
But yesterday was also the warmest day of the year to date – the Met Office said Santon Downham in Suffolk reached 29.4C on Friday, setting a new high for the year, but it has been followed by warnings for thunderstorms throughout Saturday (June 14).
The forecaster revealed that “areas of heavy and thundery rain continue to push northwards across the country” as yellow warnings remain in place.
A yellow thunderstorm warning is in place until 6pm on Saturday covering the South West, North East and North of England, Wales and much of Scotland with the Met Office warning some areas could see 30-50mm of rain in a few hours, while a few locations could reach up to 80mm.
Areas of heavy and thundery rain continue to push northwards across the country, as shown in the latest radar sequence 👇
So far there have been over 30,000 lightning strikes ⚡️
The vast majority of which have been over the sea ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/X7zz2lsgvK— Met Office (@metoffice) June 14, 2025
The thunderstorms could be accompanied by strong wind gusts and hail with the storms potentially bringing road flooding, difficult driving conditions, power cuts and flooding of homes and businesses.
A further yellow warning comes into force in the eastern half of Northern Ireland from 6am to 6pm on Saturday, while a similar warning has been in place across the South East of England overnight following an amber alert on Friday.
Rail operators warned customers to check for updates on services on Saturday morning, while Heathrow Airport apologised to passengers late on Friday night for flights delayed by “adverse weather conditions”.
Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Ramsdale commented: “While the warnings cover the areas of the country most at risk of seeing thunderstorms, not everyone within a warning area will experience a thunderstorm. For many, it will remain dry much of the time.”
What different Met Office weather warnings mean
Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to ease slightly throughout the day, with the driest and brightest weather in the South East, which will remain very warm.
When will heavy rain and thunderstorms in UK end?
The Met Office said showers will continue to ease through Sunday (June 15), with dry weather for most of the country on Monday (June 16) and Tuesday (June 17).
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Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, added: “There is a risk of significant and localised surface water flooding impacts in parts of England.
“Environment Agency teams have ensured rivers and watercourses are clear ahead of the storms and stand ready to support local authorities in their response to surface water flooding.
“We urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.”
