Brighton dodges Met Office weather warning despite heavy rain

The national weather service has issued a yellow warning for most of the UK, from northern Scotland all the way down to south London. 

Sussex has dodged the warning for thunderstorms, but parts of the county are being battered by heavy showers and the odd lightning strike. 

Rumbles of thunder were heard in Brighton this afternoon before heavy rain broke out. 

The heavy rain has almost emptied the streets in #Brighton's busy North Laine pic.twitter.com/DSIKWwxglZ

— Brighton Argus (@brightonargus) July 8, 2023

But most of the rain should clear by 3pm, making way for an afternoon of sunny intervals - which is fortunate for revellers headed to Brighton Valley Series Festival in Stanmer Park this evening. 

• READ MORE: Recap: A27 flooded, Sussex traffic and weather updates 

Hastings is set to be hit with some thunder and heavy showers this afternoon. 

Meanwhile, in the far west of the county, Chichester's sunny morning will continue into the afternoon. 

It remains hot and muggy, with much of the county seeing temperatures in the mid-twenties. 

With severe weather warnings in place over the weekend for many, check out these tips from @TheRAC_UK and @NationalHways for driving in thunderstorms

Stay #WeatherAware pic.twitter.com/vFEnGwhRiQ

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 8, 2023

Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected over parts of the UK on Saturday.

In the warning area, people are told to expect some flooding of homes and businesses.

Lightning strikes, along with hail and strong winds could cause further damage. 

A spokesman for the Met Office said: "Power cuts might occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost."