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Lightning storms as heatwave warning remains Lightning storms as heatwave warning remains
(35 minutes later)
Lightning struck more than 3,000 times in two hours in the UK, as a heatwave warning remains in place for parts of the country.Lightning struck more than 3,000 times in two hours in the UK, as a heatwave warning remains in place for parts of the country.
BBC Weather said the storms moved north across the country overnight and into Friday morning.BBC Weather said the storms moved north across the country overnight and into Friday morning.
Temperatures in parts of the UK are set to climb beyond 30C (86F) later.Temperatures in parts of the UK are set to climb beyond 30C (86F) later.
Friday could top Thursday as the hottest day of the year so far, and the Met Office has issued a heatwave alert for southern England and the Midlands.Friday could top Thursday as the hottest day of the year so far, and the Met Office has issued a heatwave alert for southern England and the Midlands.
Public Health England said elderly people and those with long-term illnesses should take particular care.Public Health England said elderly people and those with long-term illnesses should take particular care.
A Twitter account for Metropolitan Police helicopters posted pictures of the lightning on Thursday night, writing: "And here folks is why we are currently on the ground!! #SummerStorm."A Twitter account for Metropolitan Police helicopters posted pictures of the lightning on Thursday night, writing: "And here folks is why we are currently on the ground!! #SummerStorm."
In Caerphilly county in Wales, lightning struck a church's bell tower and caused a small fire.
A high of 32C has been forecast for Friday, with the Met Office predicting rain in Scotland and Northern Ireland but very warm, humid conditions elsewhere.A high of 32C has been forecast for Friday, with the Met Office predicting rain in Scotland and Northern Ireland but very warm, humid conditions elsewhere.
The hottest place in the UK on Thursday was Hampton in south-west London at 29.5C, according to the Met Office.The hottest place in the UK on Thursday was Hampton in south-west London at 29.5C, according to the Met Office.
BBC weather forecaster Nick Miller said Thursday's "hot spots" would be "even hotter" on Friday after a night of thunderstorms in some areas, with more torrential rain forecast on Friday night into Saturday.BBC weather forecaster Nick Miller said Thursday's "hot spots" would be "even hotter" on Friday after a night of thunderstorms in some areas, with more torrential rain forecast on Friday night into Saturday.
The Met Office declared a level two heatwave alert - this warning is triggered by at least a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days to have a "significant effect on health".The Met Office declared a level two heatwave alert - this warning is triggered by at least a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days to have a "significant effect on health".
It also issued a yellow weather warning for rain across much of the UK on Saturday, with more thunderstorms expected.It also issued a yellow weather warning for rain across much of the UK on Saturday, with more thunderstorms expected.
Public Health England renewed its advice to people to take care in the heat.Public Health England renewed its advice to people to take care in the heat.
Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection, said: "While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses."Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection, said: "While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses."
People should stay out of the heat during the hottest time of the day and have plenty of cool drinks, he said.People should stay out of the heat during the hottest time of the day and have plenty of cool drinks, he said.
Meanwhile, London Fire Brigade warned of an increase in grass fires and reminded people not to drop cigarettes on to grass land.Meanwhile, London Fire Brigade warned of an increase in grass fires and reminded people not to drop cigarettes on to grass land.
The Fire Brigade Union's continuing strikes over pensions take place across England and Wales on Friday, between 06:00 and 08:00 BST and again from 23:00 to 01:00 BST.The Fire Brigade Union's continuing strikes over pensions take place across England and Wales on Friday, between 06:00 and 08:00 BST and again from 23:00 to 01:00 BST.
During these periods, crews will not attend grass fires unless they present a risk to life or property.During these periods, crews will not attend grass fires unless they present a risk to life or property.