Marks & Spencer in Twickenham was forced to close its doors early this afternoon due to flooding as a thunderstorm brought chaos to the area.

The outburst began at around 4.45pm and ran through to around 6pm when the skies cleared to reveal a beautiful sunny evening.

The outburst caused jams across the area and flooding of roads and pavements through from Teddington to Kew Bridge.

Many outdoor activities, including local park fitness sessions were called off due to the deluge.

Earlier in the day, the Met Office has issued a Yellow thunderstorm warning for London and many other parts of the UK.

Robert Jo, of Hampton, posted images showing how the main A316 through Richmond borough was flooded close to Richmond College.

Robert Jo, of Hampton, posted images showing how the main A316 through Richmond borough was flooded close to Richmond College.

Urban areas can be vulnerable to flash flooding as the rain hits surfaces such as pavements which cannot absorb heavy downpours, leaving it to flow into drains or roads.

Underpasses can also fill quickly and drivers could face flood water on roads.

Further thunderstorms may be possible in the first half of the week, with fresher conditions and temperatures slightly decreasing towards Thursday and Friday.

However, the sunny weather is staying with most parts of the country and forecast to remain above 24C and 25C throughout the week, and potentially reaching 29C in Bristol and Birmingham over Wednesday and Thursday.

Cooler air from the North Sea will reach parts of the UK on Thursday and Friday, particularly areas along the North Sea coast and the East of England.