Temperatures could reach up to 34°C in London today with southern and central parts experiencing the last of the current hot spell and sunny skies. As a cold front sweeps across the UK overnight into Thursday there will be much more cloud and a fresher feel to the weather.

Although notably hot, it is unlikely that the June temperature record of 35.6°C at Mayflower Park, Southampton on 28 June 1976 will be broken. 30°C has now been recorded in southeast England, meaning we have experienced the longest June hot spell over 30°C since 1976 with five consecutive days of high temperatures.

Meanwhile in the north there are thundery showers moving eastwards across the country today, bringing intense showers in places with the potential for hail too. A band of heavy thundery showers will move across parts of the south east and East Anglia on Thursday morning, not everywhere will see these showers but where they do occur there is the potential for heavy downpours. National Severe Weather Warnings are in place for rain on Wednesday and Thursday.

Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said “The high pressure that has dominated our weather of late is starting to move away, allowing fresher air in from the west. A cold front that will pass through the UK will mark an end to the hot spell of weather in the south and bring cloudier skies and lower temperatures.

“It hasn’t been sunny and warm for everyone this week, northern England and Scotland have been around 10°C cooler with much more cloud. Today there is a pulse of thundery showers moving eastwards which will bring some intense downpours for some.”

The hot weather has triggered a Level 3 Public Health England (PHE) Heat Health Watch for much of England. Dr Angie Bone, Head of PHE’s Extreme Events team, said: “Spells of hot weather like this are enjoyed by many of us, but they can make a very real impact on some people’s health.

“That’s why it’s so important we all keep an eye on those likely to be most at risk, people with underlying heart and lung conditions, older people and those with younger children. If you’re able, ask your friends, family and neighbours if they need any support.”

It is important to also think of pets in the hot weather, PDSA Senior Vet Elaine Pendlebury said: "Hot weather can cause problems for pets. Their smaller body size makes them particularly susceptible to heatstroke and of course they can't tell us when they're too hot in their fur coats. So it's up to owners to spot the signs and ensure they remain happy and healthy in the heat."

As the high pressure moves away, more mobile weather systems will influence the UK over the following week, but there will also be some dry, bright weather in between with temperatures returning to average. Further bands of rain will move across northern parts with strong winds at times. There could be some light, patchy rain in the south on Friday and Saturday before a drier and sunnier day on Sunday.

For those going to Glastonbury, after a mild night tonight it will turn slightly cooler with temperatures around 19 or 20°C. There doesn’t look to be much in the way of rainfall ahead, although there is a small chance of some light showers on Saturday morning.  

Keep an eye on the weather in your area using our forecast pages and by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as using our new mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store.