Weather warnings for thunderstorms have been issued for Wednesday and Thursday with a risk of flooding also rising.

Yellow thunderstorm warnings come into effect early Wednesday morning, covering large parts of England from East Anglia through to the West Midlands. Eastern Wales is also included before the warning area expands on Thursday across Wales.

The area of heavy rain moves northwards from the early hours of Wednesday bringing rainfall accumulation of up to 50 mm in parts. Large hailstones are also possible before the first bout of the stormy conditions eases in the evening.

Thursday sees potential for heavier rainfall, potentially up to 75 mm in areas at altitude. More widely rain accumulation of up to 30 mm is likely.

Thundery outbreaks continue along with conditions ripe for more large hail. With much of England and Wales still in drought, parched ground is likely to increase run-off resulting in flash flooding.

The conditions will help alleviate the overall drought, with some 29 million people still under a form of water use restriction, despite presenting immediate flooding issues.