Weather: thunderstorms and 50mph winds to batter UK - here’s the five-day forecast for Liverpool

Wales and much of England will be showered by heavy rain and thunderstorms on Wednesday (20 October) (Photo: Getty Images)

Thunderstorms, heavy rain and gusty winds up to 50mph will batter much of England and Wales from Wednesday, as forecasters warn of severe conditions.

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for large swathes of the country with disruption to travel expected.

The unsettled conditions may lead to sudden flooding in some areas, creating difficult diving conditions and road closures are likely.

The severe weather warning has been issued for many areas, including Merseyside, Halton and Warrington.

What has the Met Office said?

“An area of heavy rain and thunderstorms will move quickly eastwards across Wales and southwestern England into parts of central, southern and eastern England during Wednesday morning.

“Many areas will see a spell of rain whilst some places will be affected by thunderstorms bringing a brief period of heavy rain, lightning, and strong, gusty winds with hail also affecting some spots.

“Gusts will tend to peak at 40-50 mph, but whilst very unlikely in any one place, much stronger winds are possible here and there, then potentially damaging some structures.

The unsettled conditions may lead to sudden flooding in some areas, creating difficult diving conditions and road closures are likely.

What is the five-day forecast for Liverpool?

There is a very good chance that Wednesday’s heavy rain will continue until around 20:00 when it becomes more overcast.

Thursday will be much brighter and drier with sunny intervals and a fresh, moderate breeze. Temperatures will reach a high of 12C.

A sharp northwesterly wind will make it feel much cooler than of late and clouds in the afternoon will see a small chance of showers.

Light cloud returns on Friday, with the chance of a late morning shower. It will be a windy start too, with gusts of up to 40mph but these will die down by the afternoon.

Into the weekend, and Saturday will be dry and cloudy with a moderate breeze. Temperatures will begin to rise again, reaching 13C in the afternoon.

Sunday starts with light showers in the morning but sunny spells later in the day will see the mercury reach 15C in the afternoon.