Weather and climate news

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for severe thunderstorms with intense rainfall, frequent lightning, hail and gusty winds moving into the UK on Friday night and into Saturday.

Yellow thunderstorm warnings have been issued for parts of south west England and South Wales and Northern Ireland tonight and tomorrow.

The new radar is set to enhance the accuracy of rainfall measurements and weather forecasts, not only in the east, but also the wider UK.

Warm air from the continent will drive temperatures up later this week, bringing with it the chance of thunderstorms.