A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued Wednesday across parts of England and Wales as forecasters warn of travel disruption, flooding and lightning strikes following a record-breaking spell of May heat.

The UK national weather agency, Met Office, said the warning will be in force until midnight, covering much of Wales and parts of southwest England.

Heavy rain, hail and lightning are expected to develop through the afternoon and evening, with drivers warned to expect difficult conditions due to spray and surface water.

Forecasters said some areas could see sudden downpours leading to localized flooding, while short-term power cuts and damage to buildings caused by lightning strikes were also possible.

Public transport services could face delays, particularly during the evening rush hour, as storms move across affected areas.

The warning covers Bath and North East Somerset, Bournemouth, Bristol, Cornwall, Devon and Dorset, as well as almost all of Wales.

It comes after temperatures soared earlier this week during a record-breaking May heat wave across parts of the UK.

The Met Office said warm and humid conditions had increased the likelihood of thunderstorms developing, with some areas expected to see intense rainfall in a short period of time.

Meteorologists said the unsettled weather is likely to bring an end to the recent hot spell, with cooler temperatures forecast later in the week.