Met Office issues thunderstorm warning for most of Wales

The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning for the majority of Wales after days of scorching temperatures. A heatwave was officially declared in parts of the country on Wednesday but thunderstorms are likely to hit the country within hours, according to forecasters. A yellow thunderstorm warning comes into force for much of the country at 3pm on Wednesday. There is potential for areas to be hit with "torrential downpours of rain, frequent lightning, large hail and strong, gusty winds". This is a great contrast to recent days, which have seen crowds flock to beaches and parks across the country to enjoy the unprecedented heat and sunshine, while others have sought refuge indoors or at splashpads in a bid to stay cool. The Met Office has warned that the thunderstorms are likely to cause disruption. Stay in the know by making sure you’re receiving our daily newsletter The warning remains in place until midnight and covers the following areas: Blaenau Gwent , Bridgend , Caerphilly , Cardiff, Carmarthenshire , Ceredigion , Conwy , Denbighshire , Gwynedd , Isle of Anglesey , Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire , Neath Port Talbot , Newport, Pembrokeshire , Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea , Torfaen , Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham . The Met Office forecast reads: "After another hot day, thunderstorms are expected to develop across parts of Wales as well as some western and southwestern parts of England during this afternoon and through the evening. "While many places will miss the worst conditions, where thunderstorms do occur they bring the potential for torrential downpours of rain, frequent lightning, large hail and strong, gusty winds." The forecaster also warned that driving conditions will be poor in areas hit by the thundery downpours, while delays to train services are also possible. There is also a chance of damage to some buildings as well as flooding as a result of the storms. Wales has experienced record-breaking heat since the bank holiday weekend, with temperatures soaring above average for this time of year. It was the hottest May day ever for a second day running on Tuesday as temperatures climbed to a scorching 32.9C in Cardiff . The Met Office confirmed that Bute Park in the Welsh capital recorded the highest temperature anywhere in Wales on Tuesday, surpassing Monday’s newly set May record of 32.2C recorded at Hawarden Airport in Flintshire . The previous Welsh May temperature record had stood for more than 80 years - 30.6C recorded in Newport on May 29, 1944. Despite the thunderstorms, it's set to remain warm for much of the week before it starts to properly cool down on Sunday. By then, the warmest air is expected to have cleared away to the south with temperatures closer to, but mostly above, average for the time of year for the whole of the UK. Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice