In Pictures: Lightning pierces UK skies

John E. Walsh / Twitter @akazeeoxThis electric blue sky was pictured over Milton Road in Cambridge
The skies above the UK were lit up by about 48,000 lightning strikes on Tuesday night.
The thunderstorms came ahead of further warm weather with temperatures in London expected to reach 38C on Thursday.

Paul MiddeltonMultiple lightning bolts over Warwick

Kutub UddinLightning photographed over the English Channel

Nicole CarrLightning was seen over Scarborough, North Yorkshire

BBCA lightning bolt damaged Megan Zahra's bedroom roof

Geraint RobertsThe storm passed over the Solent in southern England

Tim FisherTim Fisher caught this thunderstorm in the Lake District

Sonia BashirSkies in Preston, Lancashire, are seeing purple

PA MediaLightning passes over houses in Lee Park, Liverpool