Severe weather warnings have been issued across south-east London and Kent as the country prepares to be battered by heavy rain.

The Met Office warning said some of the showers will become thundery, with downpours expected from around 12-5pm.

The yellow weather alert for rain has been extended to London and the south east of the UK, warning some areas could face flooding.

The chief forecaster said: "As with most recent days, temperatures will rise, triggering some heavy downpours.

"These may locally produce 15mm to 25mm of rainfall in an hour, bringing the risk of flooding, especially if affecting urban areas."

The bad weather is expected to continue on Wednesday when there will be more scattered heavy thundery showers and as much as 25mm of rain in an hour, leading to possible flooding in urban areas.

Only the far north of Scotland will escape the rain, with sunny spells.

Forecaster Steven Keats said: "The area of low pressure responsible is not moving very fast so it will be similar weather all week.

"Drivers should be aware that there will be some quite tricky driving conditions about. There will be lots of spray and some flooding. As always, if you cannot see the road surface, do not drive through it."