THUNDERSTORMS and torrential downpours are set to bring an abrupt end to the heatwave tomorrow.

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for the Sussex from 10am tomorrow until the end of the day.

The Met Office said that, while some showers may start the day, these are likely to become more widespread and heavier through the morning and into the afternoon.

They also warned that spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions, with a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, along with a slight chance of power cuts.

The change in weather comes just days after a drought was declared in Sussex and southeast England, with wildfires erupting across the county due to the dry conditions.

Deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office Jason Kelly said: “The current hot weather will make way for a thundery breakdown from the west, which will spread south and east in the early part of next week.

“Ahead of this, isolated but intense thunderstorms are possible Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

“The warnings highlight the chance of some places seeing around 50mm of rain falling in a three-hour period in the north, with some areas further south possibly seeing around 300mm of rain in a three-hour period.

“Hail and frequent lightning are also possible as part of these downpours and represents an additional hazard.”

An amber weather warning for extreme heat remains in effect until the end of the day, after temperatures reached above 30C across Sussex.

Thousands have flocked to the beach over the last few days as the heatwave returned, with fire crews across the county also responding to dozens of fires as conditions remained dry.

However, tomorrow’s forecast for Brighton is significantly cooler at just 22C, with cloud and sunny intervals.

Rain is also expected later in the week, with light showers on Tuesday and heavier showers on Wednesday.