Although many will enjoy another fine day today, the Met Office has issued a yellow severe weather warning for heavy showers and thunderstorms. It covers parts of northern England and the north midlands and is in force from 11am until 9pm tonight.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Paul Gundersen said: “Scattered showers and thunderstorms will bring heavy downpours for some areas through the afternoon and early evening. Some of these will be slow-moving with lightning and hail. Not everyone in the warning area will experience this, but those who are caught in a shower may see 20-30mm of rain in one hour.”

Elsewhere today, many will see a fine day with lighter winds and temperatures responding as a result. This ridge of high pressure will continue this week, with highs of 24°C possible on Thursday in the southeast. Temperatures are likely to be more subdued in the northwest, with the influence of cloud and showers at times.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway said: “In stark contrast to the first half of June, where temperatures have widely been below average, we are expecting to see a steady uptick through the second half of this week, rising to around or above average, and it will likely feel very warm for those in the sunshine.

“This initial spell of warm conditions isn’t expected to last too long however, as it turns more changeable through Friday and into the weekend with areas of cloud and rain spilling east across the UK.”

Further ahead

The weekend’s weather is expected to start with largely cloudy conditions, and possibly turning breezier too. Any rain or showers remain more likely in the north and west, with generally drier conditions further south and east.

A gradual trend towards more settled, and warmer weather is then likely into next week, with a small chance that this could persist for several days leading to a spell of hot weather with winds from the south or southeast. There are a number of other possible scenarios at this range, with details likely to become clearer through this week as we get nearer the event. 

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