A THUNDERSTORM warning for Sussex has been extended as the heatwave comes to an abrupt end.

The yellow weather warning, issued by the Met Office, comes into effect from 10am today and will now last until Tuesday. Another yellow warning for thunderstorms will also be in place from 9am on Wednesday until the end of the day.

The national weather service has warned of possible disruption, with as much as 30mm of rain within an hour.

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly as a result of the heavy rain, as well as a small chance of fast-flowing or deep floodwater causing a danger of life.

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

“Isolated but intense thunderstorms are possible on 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 30mm of rain in a three-hour period.

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

The downpours come after a drought was declared in Sussex, with wildfires erupting across the county due to the dry conditions.

Brighton is expected to be cloudy today with temperatures peaking at a much cooler 22C, with rain forecast on Tuesday and Wednesday.