DRAMATIC thunderstorms have battered the UK as lightning strikes spark a house fire after a week of record-breaking temperatures.
Fire crews battled the blaze last night during biblical storms after .
Dramatic lightning over the English Channel on Friday evening seen from West Sussex Credit: Bav Media
A house fire was sparked by a lightning strike in East Sussex Credit: UKNIP
Temperatures are set to drop following the this week which saw Brits basking in the sun across the UK.
The said some areas will see increased risk of thunder and lightning, with dramatic storms already seen in the early hours of this morning.
Video shows astonishing displays of lightning strikes as electricity lit up the sky up and down the country.
And in East Sussex, two houses set on fire after being struck by lightning overnight.
The roof of a house in Crawley completely destroyed by a fire during the storm Credit: Eddie Mitchell
Lightning strikes over London hitting Canary Wharf in the early hours of the morning Credit: Alamy
Fire crews used a crane to tackle one of the house fires in East Sussex Credit: Eddie Mitchell
Impressive lightning storm over the Rampion Offshore Wind Farm late last night Credit: Story Picture Agency
Fire crews were rushed to the scene of the blazes, with pictures showing one roof set alight and smoke pouring into the sky.
Fire and Rescue said: “Lightning is reported to have started fires in Eastbourne and in Bexhill.
“East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 12.03am on 27 June 2026 to a roof alight on a house in Selmeston Road, Eastbourne.
“At 12.19am, we were called to Long Avenue in Bexhill following reports a house was alight after being struck by lightning.
“Joint Fire Control have received multiple 999 calls. Crews are working hard, with four fire engines sent to each incident.”
Further photos from around the country show massive lightning strikes illuminating the dark night sky.
It comes after yesterday was the hottest June day on record, with a provisional temperature of 37.3C recorded in Santon Downham, .
This followed 36.7C in Merryfield, , recorded on Thursday afternoon.
Paddleboarders keeping cool on the River Thames in Egham, Surrey yesterday Credit: Alamy
Lyme Regis beach in Dorset was packed with people enjoying the sun Credit: Alamy
Today, the Met Office has again forecast thundery showers in the East and South East, and slightly lower temperatures than the previous three days.
Though the temperature is still expected to reach 32C in some parts of the country this afternoon.
Yesterday, due to terrifying lightning scares.
The closures come after more than 1,300 schools were closed for up to two days due to hot temperatures.
Churchill Community College in Wallsend, North Tyneside was forced to shut yesterday after being struck by .
The school reported that it had experienced damage to its electrical system, meaning it would close for the whole day.
It wrote on Facebook: “Unfortunately due to a lightning strike this morning, causing damage to our school electrical systems we are closed today.”
The sunset over the London skyline after the hottest June day on record Credit: Alamy
Woman uses a fan to cool down amid 37C temperatures yesterday Credit: Getty
Meanwhile, Chelmer Valley High School in has confirmed that it is shutting for 18 days due to “significant damage” caused by lightning strikes.
An amber warning for extreme heat remains in place until 9pm today across the South East of England and East Anglia.
A drop in temperatures will develop in the West at first, with fresher conditions spreading slowly further East over the course of the weekend.
Met Office chief forecaster Andy Page said: “The UK is seeing a gradual shift in conditions over the weekend, with those to the southeast of England retaining the warmth the longest.”
He added: “An amber extreme heat warning remains in force through much of Saturday, though peaks are more likely to be in the low 30s Celsius.”
Western parts of and much of will see rain on Saturday, with showers likely spreading further South in places on Sunday, though these will be fairly light in nature.
Those to the South East could remain dry through the weekend, although there is a risk of thunderstorms here before temperatures become more normal on Sunday and Monday.
The Met Office said next week will bring a mixed picture, with a combination of cloudy and sunny spells, as well as some rain.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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