Cornwall experienced loud thunder and fork lightning this morning as the heatwave reached a crescendo.

After two weeks of steadily building heat, it broke early on Tuesday – to the relief of many people.

The falling rain proved a refreshing change after temperatures that reached up to 34.2C yesterday, in Bude. This set a new record for the highest temperature ever recorded in Cornwall, beating the previous record of 33.9C set in 1976.

READ MORE:

It is thought the thunderstorm was also responsible for the smell of 'smoke' that many people woke up to.

Although is some suggestion it could be actual smoke, from the wildfires burning in France, Spain and Portugal, Kernow Weather Team has given a different explanation.

While acknowledging that the fires were a possibility, the group wrote on its Facebook page this morning: "What you can smell like burning is the atmosphere moisture and lightning."

This gives a similar smell to smoke, which is then mingled with 'petrichor' - the name for the smell of rain, which comes from the Greek words 'petra', meaning stone, and 'ichor', which in Greek mythology refers to the golden fluid that flows in the veins of the immortals.

Kernow Weather also warned of hail, frequent lightning and torrential downpours, and said that some roads were becoming flooded, urging people to take extra care.

Below are some of your pictures from the lightning across Cornwall this morning. If you have any to add email editorial@packetseries.co.uk

Falmouth Packet:

Terry Leary took this great shot from Flushing side and over Falmouth Marina

Falmouth Packet:

Another great capture by Terry Leary

Falmouth Packet: Lightning on the Lizard Peninsula Picture: Catherine Harris HackLightning on the Lizard Peninsula Picture: Catherine Harris Hack

Falmouth Packet: Lightning near Helston on Tuesday morning Picture: Kathy WhiteLightning near Helston on Tuesday morning Picture: Kathy White

Falmouth Packet: An incredible lightning picture taken by Char Morris in West Cornwall on TuesdayAn incredible lightning picture taken by Char Morris in West Cornwall on Tuesday

Falmouth Packet: Fork lightning out in the countryside Picture: Catherine Harris HackFork lightning out in the countryside Picture: Catherine Harris Hack

Falmouth Packet: A cracking shot from Neil ReynoldsA cracking shot from Neil Reynolds

Falmouth Packet: Too close for comfort! Picture: Carl Plaister/Packet Camera ClubToo close for comfort! Picture: Carl Plaister/Packet Camera Club

Falmouth Packet: Picture by Toby in Truro Picture by Toby in Truro