Hail, rain and thunder for London

VIOLENT storms are expected to hit London and the South-East today with weather forecasters predicting heavy downpours, hail and strong winds.

As emergency services continue mopping up parts of Britain hit by thunderstorms, the region will see an increasing amount of rain and the risk of flooding in the next 24 hours.

A Met Office spokesman said: "As the day goes on it looks as though there will be an increasing risk of thundery showers across the South-East, but the main threat of activity will be tonight, with heavy rain and thunder developing and continuing into tomorrow.

"There is the potential for some nasty downpours, with hail and strong gusts, and the risk of localised flooding across the region."

Despite the rain and wind, temperatures will remain uncomfortably high in the capital. The spokesman said: "Thundery showers have been forecast, but it's going to be another hot few days, with temperatures never likely to fall below 26C (80F)."

Today's expected downpour could halt play at Wimbledon this afternoon, where the ladies' semi-finals are scheduled to begin at 1pm with Lindsay Davenport playing Venus Williams.

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