Thunderstorms set to continue after causing disruption across UK
Weather warnings remain in place for much of the UK after thunderstorms continued to cause disruption amid scorching temperatures.
The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings - with the potential for lightning, heavy rainfall and hail - for much of England, Wales, parts of Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland.
Severe storms, heavy rains and more heat on the way for Britain
Third hottest day on record amid Met Office issuing climate change warning
It comes after temperatures surpassing 34°C were recorded for the sixth day in a row in parts of southern England.
It's the first time temperatures have soared to that level since at least 1961.
Temperatures could remain above 20°C (68F) overnight into Thursday, while further unsettled weather is expected throughout the afternoon and into the evening.
Met Office Forecaster Greg Dewhurst said the run of hot weather is rare: "It’s not often we get temperatures this high over several days.
He added: "That is triggering thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales."
Thunder and lightning across Wales as the Met Office issues weather warnings
Hottest day of the year so far in Wales as temperatures reach 33.5°C
The yellow thunderstorm warning for Wales and most of England – excluding the north east – is in place all day on Thursday, while sunny spells could see maximum temperatures of up to 32°C (90F) in the south east.
Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland may experience power cuts and flooding during thundery showers in the morning, but weather warnings there are due to lift before midday.
It comes as three people died in a train derailment in Aberdeenshire after a train service crashed on Wednesday amid heavy rain and flooding in the area.
British Transport Police (BTP) said those pronounced dead at the scene near Stonehaven included the train’s driver, while six people were injured in the derailment.
Meanwhile, water firms are advising customers in certain areas to restrict their water usage during the sweltering conditions.
Thames Water said that ongoing power supply issues in Guildford meant it was using tankers to bring water into the area.
The company urged customers to use water for "essential purposes only" in the coming days.
Essex and Suffolk Water said that due to "record water demand" it was working to maintain supplies but users could notice lower than normal pressure.
Thunderstorms have already hit parts of the country on Wednesday evening.
Gloucestershire Fire & Rescue Service said it was experiencing "high call volumes" due to bad weather and had been made aware of flash flooding in Gloucester.
"Whilst the bad weather continues, please be careful and only travel if absolutely necessary and with extreme caution," it tweeted.
Elsewhere, Cheshire Police said on Twitter they were dealing with a number of weather-related incidents in the village of Tarporley, including fallen trees and flash flooding, and advised nearby residents to avoid all but essential travel.
Some 10 flood alerts covering areas in the West Midlands were issued by the Environment Agency on Wednesday evening, alongside three flood warnings – meaning immediate action is required.
Two of the warnings, which indicate flooding is expected, covered the River Trent, while third was issued for Sandyford Brook in Stafford.