HEAVY rain is set to hit the region this afternoon, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.

The Met Office predict there will be showers throughout the afternoon and into the evening, turning heavy and perhaps thundery at times.

Despite the potentially stormy weather, high winds are not predicted, but the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for much of England and Wales ahead of the coming storm.

They are warning that flooding of homes and businesses could happen quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

Thunder and lightning is also predicted for Wednesday and Thursday, with the yellow weather warning remaining in place until Friday.