A yellow weather warning will be in place from 11.30am until 7pm today warning of thunder and lightning.

Burnley and parts of Rossendale and Ribble Valley are covered by the warning, with people urged to take care when out and about.

The chief forecaster said: "Heavy showers will develop quite widely later this morning and afternoon, with hail and lightning accompanying showers in some places.

"Some of these showers will be slow moving and 10 to 20mm of rain is likely to fall in less than an hour in some places, while a few spots could see as much as 20 to 50mm of rain in two or three hours."

The Met Office has said driving conditions may be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times by car and bus.

Delays to train services may also be possible with possible damage to buildings and structures from lightning strikes.

Some flooding “is likely” in certain areas and there are also warnings of potential power loss for some properties.

Maximum temperatures of 16°C and lows of 7°C are forecast.

In Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and the Ribble Valley, rain is expected to be heaviest between 4pm and 6pm.

Blackburn with Darwen is not covered by the official yellow weather warning, but there is a chance of thunder at lightning at 1pm. Light rain and cloud are expected for the remainder of the day.

How to stay safe in thunder and lightning, according to the Met Office

Thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year but it is during the summer months when thunderstorms in the UK are most likely to produce large hail, gusty winds and torrential downpours that can cause disruption to transport networks and damage property.

One of the most notable aspects of thunderstorms can be the localised nature of the impacts they could bring.

Rainfall can make driving conditions very hazardous. Other hazards include hail, decreased visibility, sudden gusty winds, standing water and of course lightning.

Before the thunderstorm

• Lightning can cause power surges, unplug any non-essential appliances if not already using a surge protector.
• Seek shelter if possible. When you hear thunder you are already within range of where the next ground flash may occur, lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from the centre of a storm.

During the thunderstorm

• Telephone lines can conduct electricity so try to avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
• If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
• Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
• Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning, including golf clubs, golf buggies, fishing rods, umbrellas, motorbikes, bicycles, wheelchairs, mobility scooters, pushchairs, wire fencing and rails. If you are in a tent, try to stay away from the metal poles
• If you find yourself in an exposed location it may be advisable to squat close to the ground, with hands on knees and with head tucked between them. Try to touch as little of the ground with your body as possible, do not lie down on the ground
• If you feel your hair stand on end, drop to the above position immediately