Exact time thunder and lighting are forecast to hit Peterborough on Thursday afternoon as storms sweep across East Anglia

Heavy downpours are forecast for Peterborough this afternoon (Thursday, August 20), bringing an end to months of bone-dry conditions.

A band of thunderstorms are set to sweep across East Anglia later today, with intense rain and possibly hail forecast in some areas.

News of rain will be welcomed by gardeners across Peterborough after a scorching summer so far.

Just 0.1mm of rain fell in the city during July as temperatures hit 36.7C, prompting Anglian Water to issue a hosepipe ban.

Peterborough - along with the wider East Anglia region - is now officially in drought after weeks of extreme summer temperatures.

When will thunderstorms hit Peterborough on Thursday afternoon?

According to the Met Office’s rain radar map, thunderstorms will hit Peterborough between 12.30pm and 3.30pm on Thursday afternoon.

In some areas this could bring between 4mm and 8mm of rain, along with frequent lightning, thunder and hail.

By around 5pm the storms will have passed Peterborough, continuing east over Norfolk.

This afternoon’s full forecast for Peterborough, using data from BBC Weather, can be found below.

12pm

Light rain showers and a gentle breeze. 59% chance of precipitation.

1pm

Light rain showers and a gentle breeze. 34% chance of precipitation.

2pm

Thundery showers and a gentle breeze. 58% chance of precipitation.

3pm

Thundery showers and a gentle breeze. 75% chance of precipitation.

4pm

Thundery showers and a gentle breeze. 72% chance of precipitation.

5pm

Thundery showers and a gentle breeze. 47% chance of precipitation.

6pm

Light rain showers and a gentle breeze. 51% chance of precipitation.