A week of thunderstorms across the UK and Ireland delivered heavy rain and lightning, do you know why they are more common as we approach summer?

Before we explore further, we need to understand what causes thunderstorms to begin with. Check out our Weather Explained video below:

As mentioned in our explainer, thunderstorms are more common in summer because the weather helps to fuel their development.

Most important to a thunderstorm are: rising warm air and humidity. Therefore, the more humid the country, the bigger the storms in summer.

Thunderstorms can bring hazardous conditions for all of us. Check the situation near you on the WeatherRadar, and as storms hit, watch lightning strikes as they happen on the LightningRadar.

We'll be bringing you helpful tips and safety measures for thunderstorms as they hit this summer season.