FOUR days of thunderstorm warnings will be in place this week for Dorset.

The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning for the county which will be in place until Thursday.

The Met Office said: “Where the storms occur, rainfall totals of 30-40 mm could fall in an hour, with some locations potentially receiving 60-80 mm in three hours, although these will be fairly isolated.”

Thursday’s warning says: “Some intense thunderstorms may occur, in some instances associated with torrential rain, large hail and frequent lightning, as well as strong gusty winds.”

Over the past three days, temperatures have soared to 30C.

Weather enthusiast Bournemouth and Poole recorded 31.1C on Sunday.

He said that today would see highs between 29C and 31C, however there is increasing chance showers or thunderstorms could occur at almost anytime today or tonight.

The Met Office said residents can expect a "small chance" that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with "damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds."

Where flooding or lightning strike occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

The Met Office spokesman also said: "Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

"There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost.

"There is a small chance of fast flowing or deep floodwater causing danger to life."

Temperatures in Dorset are forecast to remain around 27C until Thursday, where the heat is expected to drop to 23C.