A battle between a Scandinavian cyclone and tropical anticyclone threatens thunderstorm chaos into mid-week. Downpours will split the nation, with Scotland and northern regions in the deluge firing line pelted as the south turns drier.

The Met Office has issued a weather warning as thunderstorms are set to batter Merseyside. The weather agency said heavy showers and scattered thunderstorms may cause some localised flooding and transport disruption on Monday, July 21.