Sunshine and a Met Office thunder warning in mixed weekend for weather in Forest and Christchurch

It’s a topsy-turvy weekend in store weather-wise for the New Forest and Christchurch, with glorious sunshine and thunderstorms forecast.

Temperatures across the area are expected to hit highs of around 21C on Saturday, but the Met Office has today (Friday) issued a warning for thunder and heavy rain on Sunday.

In its yellow alert, the national weather organisation has said there’s a small chance of flooding for homes and businesses, along with power cuts, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out in the south of this area late Sunday morning and early Sunday afternoon, moving steadily north whilst growing into larger areas of rain before clearing the area.

“Some intense downpours are possible in a few places, giving up to 30mm in less than hour and perhaps 40-50mm over two to three hours leading to surface water flooding.

“Hail, frequent lightning strikes and strong wind gusts will be additional localised hazards.”

The warning is in place from midday to 10pm Sunday.