LIGHTNING rent the skies as a storm hit Dorset last night.

Heavy rain battered Dorset as thunder roared and forked lightning flashed across the sky.

From Lyme Regis in the West, across the Isle of Portland and onwards to Swanage, huge storm clouds rolled in, where just hours earlier there had been blue skies and a mini heat wave.

Here are a few pictures from Echo readers.

Andrew Sharood sent us this picture of Burton Bradstock as the storm rolled in.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Cheryl Barrett meanwhile took a picture of lightning over Weymouth.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

This picture from Tony Logan shows lightning over Bridport.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

And see if you can spot the lightning snaking across this picture from Naomi Kinsey on Portland.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

The weather looks set to remain wet with showers forecast overnight and into tomorrow morning. Showers will continue until around midday, when it should clear up and the sun should be out for the afternoon and temperatures will remain around 15 degrees.

Send us your storm pictures to newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk.