MONSOON BRITAIN: Met Office warning as heatwave to trigger MONTH'S rain in just TWO hours

BRITAIN has put on weather alert as torrential downpours and thunderhail triggered by extreme heat threaten to dump a month’s rain in the next 24 hours.

As swathes of the country bask in summer blue skies and sunshine forecasters warn a freak deluge will hit tonight.

The Met Office updated its yellow severe weather warning this morning to include much of the country and severe alerts are in place across much of central and southern England, Scotland and the north.

Met Office warnings are in place for Central, Tayside & Fife, Dumfries, Galloway, Lothian & Borders, East Midlands, East of England, Highlands & Eilean Siar, London & South East England, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, South West England, Strathclyde, Wales, West Midlands, Yorkshire & Humber and are in place from 1pm today until 9pm

Around 50mm [2 inches] is expected to descend in a matter of hours triggering flash floods and travel mayhem.

Experts blame rising temperatures for rapid warming of the ground leading to volatile atmospheric conditions.

As thermometers rocket around the country forecasters warn heavy, thundery showers will set in across the west.

This morning much of the UK will be affected with up to two inches of rain forecast in a few hours in some parts.

The warnings come as warm air floods in from the Continent pushing thermometers to 28C (82F) over the next few days.

Britain saw the hottest day of the year so far at the weekend when thermometers topped 27.8C (82F) at Porthmadog, Wales, on Sunday.

However sun-lovers are braced for a shock to the system with the heavens poised to open tonight.

The Met Office warned much of the country will be affected with only the far southwest and parts of the east coast escaping the onslaught.

Spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said: “Although some places may escape the rain even within the warnings areas there are some very heavy showers expected.

“We could see 20mm [0.8ins] within an hour and 50mm by the evening in parts and there is also the chance of hail.

“As the rain will be coming quite fast there may be an issue with drains filling up leading to localised flooding.

“This could make driving conditions hazardous.”

The worst of the rain is expected to have passed by this evening with thermometers continuing to rocket through the week.

The Met Office said tomorrow and Wednesday are both shaping up to bring the highest temperatures so far this year.