HEAVY rain, thunderstorms and lightning could batter Dorset tomorrow, the Met Office said.

A yellow weather warning has been issued for Dorset and the South West, with the Met Office urging residents to be aware.

The 'be aware' alert, which is valid from 12.15am on Friday morning until 11.45pm, says: "Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to spread from the south across some southern and western parts of England, and also Wales, on Thursday night - the risk then continuing through much of Friday. Many places will miss these but the public should be aware of the potential for isolated disruption due to surface water flooding, lightning strikes and hail."

A spokesperson for the Met Office said: "A warm and humid airmass covers southern Britain at present. This is already becoming increasingly unstable and producing a few thunderstorms through Thursday, but these are expected to become more widespread overnight into Friday and extend further north into the Midlands and Wales.

"Many place will miss the worst of these - some may stay dry - but where they do occur, 20-30 mm rain may fall in a short time, leading to some surface water flooding, whilst lightning and hail may be additional hazards."