THUNDERSTORMS and flash flooding could hit West and North Yorkshire this evening, the Met Office has warned.

It has issued a yellow weather warning for scattered downpours of torrential rain and thunderstorms, after the region enjoyed a day of hot and humid weather.

But many places are likely to miss the worst of the rain.

A spokesman said: “Outbreaks of showery rain may turn torrential and thundery across parts of northern England and southeast Scotland.

“Whilst most places will miss the worst, there is also a risk of large hail, frequent lightning and strong winds.

“Please be aware that this could cause flash flooding and disruption to travel.

“A very warm and humid air mass is in place across much of the UK, with conditions marginal for thunderstorm development this afternoon as temperatures rise.

“Northern England and southeast Scotland are currently judged the most likely area to see scattered thundery downpours but even here many places will have no more than light rain.

“However, where storms do form, there is a lot of moisture and energy available, with the risk of more than 30mm of rain in around an hour, large hail and frequent lightning.”