Tornado warning issued for six UK areas with hail to batter Brits

A tornado warning is in place for parts of the UK as the country gets set to be battered by hail and lightning, with the Met Office warning of "unseasonably wet and windy weather"

Brits are facing a severe weather alert, with six regions being warned of potential tornadoes, accompanied by hail and lightning forecasted for this afternoon and evening.

Gale-force winds up to 55mph are expected to sweep across the UK later today, as part of stormy conditions that could also bring heavy rainfall.

According to the Tornado and Storm Research Organisation: "A shortwave trough will move ENE this afternoon/evening, accompanied by areas of showery rain, some convective in nature.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson 'has not ruled out BBC Strictly Come Dancing'

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.

One or more small-scale circulations (mesolows) may evolve, although model guidance differs somewhat on the exact morphology. Gusty winds, hail (perhaps up to 1cm diameter), and occasional CG lightning may accompany the stronger cores. Additionally, isolated tornadoes are possible, especially if any mesolows form. Any such mesolows would produce a more focussed risk corridor for gusty winds and occasional tornadoes."

The Met Office predicts Sunday will not offer much respite, with another band of rain, potentially heavy, moving eastwards. Yet, despite blustery conditions and frequent showers, sunny spells are also forecasted, and it's set to be surprisingly mild for this period of the year, with temperatures possibly reaching 18C.

Areas affected, reports the Mirror are:

• SW England
• Cent S England
• SE England
• S Midlands
• Parts of E Anglia
• Channel Islands