PICTURES: ELECTRIC SKIES OVER BRITAIN

But believe it or not this was the view from many windows across the country last night.

Bright white bolts of lightning could be seen piercing through the horizon in south London and Essex, lighting up the night sky in picturesque shades of pinks, purples and blues.

*** PICTURE GALLERY: ELECTRIC SKIES OVER BRITAIN ***

Brits rushed to their windows to watch the spectacular electrical storms, which brought an end to a day-long spell of intense humidity.

For two hours torrential rain and booming thunder battered Britain as the lighting crackled through the skies, leaving many running for shelter from one of the most dramatic storms seen in years.

Yet the turbulent weather is forecasted to be over for the next few days, with the skies clearing and making way for dry, sunny spells up until Friday.

Short busts of rain are expected to darken the weekend in eastern and southern parts of the UK, but elsewhere will remain dry and bright.

*** PICTURE GALLERY: ELECTRIC SKIES OVER BRITAIN ***