Devon and Cornwall: Thunder, lightning and downpours break heatwave

Thunder, lightning and downpours swept across Cornwall and Devon as temperatures surged across the rest of the UK.

As temperatures passed 40C (104F) for the first time in the UK, storms cooled coastal communities of the South West.

Earlier, the downpours drifted from the Isles of Scilly towards Devon.

All train services between Penzance and St Erth in Cornwall were suspended after lightning hit signals, operator Great Western Railway (GWR) said.

National Rail Enquiries said: "Trains running between these stations may be cancelled or delayed by up to 60 minutes."

Speed restrictions were also in force, as well as a reduced timetable.

Temperatures of up to 28C (82F) have been forecast in Cornwall after a record high on Monday of 36C (96.8F) in Cornwall and near record of 35C (95F) in Devon.

"I don't think we've ever been so relieved to see the sky go black and the rain start pouring," said Lucy McRobert, communications manager for the Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust.

"Our heathland habitats, our freshwater pools and most importantly our farmland will all be feeling very grateful."

Will James, an associate director from Redruth, said the thunder was "certainly not a surprise".

"I've learnt to always expect the unexpected in Cornwall, and to take forecasts with a pinch of salt," he said.

Steve Williamson, chief executive of the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust, said the hospital's emergency department had seen an increase in admissions in line with the hot weather but "had not seen significant surges in activity".

He added: "Of course today may be a more challenging day so we're watching that carefully".

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