THUNDERSTORMS and heavy rain will hit Swindon over the next few days.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunder and lightning which began at 9am on Friday and last until 9am on Saturday.

The downpours are forecast to begin at 8am on Friday and continue all the way through to 7pm that night, lowering both UV and pollen levels. Temperatures will be cooler than the scorching heat seen earlier in the week, ranging between 11C and 14C.

Saturday will see temperatures creep back up to a maximum of 18C but could also be as low as 12C. Cloud cover will continue but it will probably stay dry, with the first showers of the day not expected until 4pm. Pollen levels will be very high.

Sunday will see heavy rain return from around 7am with milder showers during the rest of the day and the same range of temperatures as Saturday.

A Met Office spokesman said: "There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life.

"Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

"Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."