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.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mark Sidaway added, “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.”
