The Met Office has issued a new yellow weather warning for thunderstorms for six regions of the UK.
Forecasters have warned that heavy downpours and lightning could cause disruption on Thursday evening between 6pm and 11:59pm.
While many areas are expected to avoid the worst of the conditions, the Met Office said some locations could see intense thunderstorms develop, bringing the risk of travel delays, flooding and power outages.
According to the weather agency, there is a chance that driving conditions could become hazardous due to spray, standing water and hail, potentially leading to longer journey times for motorists and bus passengers.
Forecasters have also warned that strong winds accompanying the storms could cause damage to buildings and temporary structures, while lightning strikes may result in damage to a small number of properties and other structures.
The Met Office said some homes and businesses could experience short-term power cuts and disruption to other services as the storms move through affected areas.
There is also a small risk of localised flooding, which could cause damage to a limited number of homes, businesses and infrastructure.
The Met Office's official website states: "Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit.
"Prepare to protect your property and people from injury. Before gusty winds arrive, check to ensure moveable objects or temporary structures are well secured. Items include; bins, garden furniture, trampolines, tents, gazebos, sheds, and fences.
"Give yourself the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road conditions if driving, or bus and train timetables, amending your travel plans if necessary.
"People cope better with power cuts when they have prepared for them in advance. It's easy to do; consider gathering torches and batteries, a mobile phone power pack and other essential items.
"If you find yourself outside and hear thunder, protect yourself by finding a safe enclosed shelter (such as a car). Do not shelter under or near trees, or other structures which may be struck by lightning. If you are on an elevated area move to lower ground.
"Be prepared for weather warnings to change quickly: when a weather warning is issued, the Met Office recommends staying up to date with the weather forecast in your area."
Thunderstorms develop when warm air rises rapidly into the atmosphere, something that often happens after prolonged periods of hot weather or during a heatwave. As the sun heats the ground, the air above it also warms and begins to rise.
As this warm air climbs higher, it cools and the moisture within it condenses into tiny water droplets, forming clouds. These droplets continue to move within the cloud and, if conditions higher in the atmosphere are cold enough, they can be carried even further upwards.
This process creates an unstable atmosphere and allows towering thunderstorm clouds, known as cumulonimbus clouds, to form.
These are the only clouds capable of producing hail, thunder and lightning.
