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Kent hit by thunderstorm and heavy rain

A thunderstorm is making its way across the county this morning.

Heavy rain and occasional lightening strikes are expected across Kent until around midday.

Motorists are being reminded to stay vigilant on waterlogged roads.

All of the traffic lights at the Blue Bell Hill Roundabout are off and causing dangerous conditions for drivers today.

If you are caught out in thunder and lightning whilst driving it is advised that you wind up the windows and stay inside your car.

Thunderstorms can also bring a risk of sudden gusty winds, causing risks to cyclists, motorcyclists and high sided vehicles.

The Met Office predicted wet and windy weather this week, due low pressure dominating the forecast.

The rain across Kent. Picture: Met Office
The rain across Kent. Picture: Met Office

Presenter and Meteorologist Alex Deakin said: “As well as spells of wet and windy weather there will also some quite high temperatures.”

“We’ve got a large area of low pressure that's been around for a while.

"The reason it’s not shifting is because of the position of the jet stream, which is driving south through the Atlantic and creating a trough, allowing this low to mill around and driving up other weather fronts.

"It’s this low pressure that’s helping to draw warmer air up from the south, even though unsettled weather will be possible through the weekend and into early next week."

Temperatures today will reach highs of 16 degrees Celsius.

Sunshine is expected to break through at around 11am with occasional showers expected to continue throughout the day.

The heavy rain comes as the UK is expected to remain in drought beyond spring 2023.

The National Drought Group has forecast that the average rainfall over winter will not be sufficient after this years extremely hot and dry summer.

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