Heavy downpours battered the UK on Thursday (August 1) as 30mm of rainfall was recorded in an hour at Benson Lock in Oxfordshire.

According to the Met Office, the average downpour of rain in August in Benson is 55.63mm.

A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms was issued by the forecaster that covered the majority of the UK on Thursday as temperatures soared to highs of 30C.

READ MORE: Wallingford: Oil spill in River Thames came from boat

Flooding on Castle Street in Wallingford yesterday (Image: Amanda Absolom)

Drivers across the country faced road closures and there were disruptions to public transport, power cuts and flooding. 

By 8pm on Thursday, New Addington in Greater London had seen the heaviest downpour of the day with 53mm of rain in an hour, according to Met Office data.

By Thursday evening, 26 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, had been issued by the Environment Agency.

Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said: “There’s been very humid air which is why it’s felt so close and muggy as well.

READ MORE: Waitrose in Wallingford reopens following severe flooding

“The same air has been over northern France for the last day or two as well – so those heavy thundery showers that they had during the triathlon yesterday morning.

“So basically, we’ve been getting the same sort of weather as the Olympics have.”

“[Friday] will be another very warm, very muggy feeling day and that’s what helps keep a few of those showers going, but it’s not until Saturday where things will feel much fresher across the board.”