Storm clouds expected over the Docks Pic: Ian Lambert

Preston is being told to brace for a downpour as the bright sunshine comes to an abrupt end.

The Met Office has issued a warning of thunderstorms from late on Tuesday (19 July) afternoon.

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The city and surrounding area has been sweltering in 30 degree temperatures throughout Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

But weather forecasters say a band of heavy rain is on its way and likely to cause some localised flash flooding.

The chief forecaster states: “Hot, moist air spreading north and northeast across the western side of the UK is expected to produce thunderstorms later on Tuesday, these then transfer erratically northeastwards during Wednesday.

“Rainfall will be very variable, and the extent of thunderstorms is uncertain, but some places could see around 30 mm in an hour and more than 50 mm in a few hours.”

Read more: Summer finally arrives in Preston with scorching temperatures

A heavy rain warning, at yellow level, the lowest, has been issued from 5pm on Tuesday to 9pm on Wed (20 July).