© unknownLightning streaks through a bleak grey sky yesterday - as Britain is drenched in summer downpours.
And the foul conditions are set to continue until early next month, the Met Office warns.
In Cornwall, homes and businesses were left flooded in Lostwithiel, Par and St Blazey. Yachts capsized in Newquay and there was a sevenvehicle smash on the A30 on Bodmin Moor.
Newcastle was braced for two-and-a-half inches of rain yesterday while firefighters across the North East were put on flood alert. North Yorks, Northants, Beds, Cambs, Wilts, Oxford and Essex were also hit by thunderstorms.
The Met Office's Barry Gromett warned it will be wet for another couple of weeks at least.
He said: "The outlook is similar weather in the days and weeks ahead and no prolonged periods of sunshine expected in July."
Lightning struck a British teenager when she was on a jetski while holidaying in Mexico.
Amy Brislen, 19, of Liverpool was fighting for life in hospital last night after she was caught offshore in a sudden tropical storm.
She was in the resort of Cancun with her boyfriend and another couple. A female friend was also hurt but less seriously.
Weekend forecast
Saturday
Rain or showers for most places turning cool and windy
High 21C Low 8C
Sunday
Sunshine and scattered showers some turning thundery
High 21C Low 8C
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