Heavy rain is set to batter Blackburn and other parts of East Lancashire today, as the Met Office issue a warning.

The Met Office’s yellow warning is in force for 18 hours, beginning at 3pm today (July 15). It is not set to be lifted until 9am on Tuesday.

The warning covers most parts of Lancashire, including Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Rossendale, Pendle, Hyndburn and parts of the Ribble Valley.

People in these areas have been warned to expect power cuts, flooding and difficult driving conditions.

Temperatures are expected to remain mild, reaching highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C.

Thunderstorms are also possible, especially in southern parts of England.

A Met Office spokesperson said: “It’s set to be largely sunny this morning after the clearance of any fog patches. Turning cloudier this afternoon with a few showers possible.

“Feeling warmer than recent days, especially in the sunshine. Heavy showers in southern areas this evening with possible thunderstorms. Maximum temperature 12°C.

“Tonight heavy downpours are increasingly likely this evening and overnight, particularly in the south of the region where thunderstorms are possible at times giving a risk of localised flooding. Staying mild. Minimum temperature 13°C.”