People across the UK are being warned to freeze milk as well as meat and poultry in readiness for thunder and lightning storms forecast to hit various parts of the UK.

       While the country has basked in beautiful sunshine for the past week, the Met Office is warning that the hot conditions will come to a spectacular end through this week as thunder and lightning storms replace the heatwave.

       While parts of the UK have already seen thunder and lightning crack overhead, other parts of the country are yet to see the thunderstorms arrive under the weather forecaster’s yellow weather warning for thunder and lightning.

       READ MORE: Met Office warns households in England ‘unplug appliances and landline'

       Energy firm British Gas has a slate of advice for homes preparing for bad storms.

       It says that given storms can cause power cuts in some situations, you should prepare in case.

       One such preparation is to freeze milk, as well as spare meat and poultry.

       British Gas said: “Buy appliance thermometers for both your fridge and freezer to check that they stay safe during a power cut (-18°C for freezers and 4°C for fridges.

       “Keep some bagged or dry ice at home.

       “Freeze leftovers like milk, meat and poultry. If you find yourself without power they’ll last longer.”

       The firm added that you can use ‘power surge plugs’ to protect valuable appliances like TVs, games consoles and PCs.

       It adds: “Power surge plugs are great for valuable electrical appliances. They’re relatively inexpensive and you can find them at most electrical retailers.

       “Keep your computer backed-up regularly, just in case.

       “Make sure any home medical equipment has a battery back-up.”

       If you do experience a power cut, the number to call is 105.