Britain is basking in thoroughly deserved scorching sunshine as lockdown eases after enduring a cold, miserable May.
Forecasters are predicting temperatures as high as 29C today in parts - with the record for the hottest day of the year for the third day running having already been broken in west London.
But Brits need to be braced for the hot sunshine to come to an abrupt halt, with thunder, lightning, hail and heavy rain due despite the ongoing heatwave.
At 11.30pm on Wednesday, Northolt hit 26.6C, beating the toasty 25.8C recorded in both Cardiff and Middle Wallop yesterday, the first day of the meteorological summer, as well as the 24.6C seen in Kinloss, Scotland, on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon.
But looming storms across the South West prompted the Met Office to issue a yellow warning until 11am this morning, with transport delays and power loss a risk.
Meteorologist Alex Burkill said: "The thunderstorms could bring lots of lightning, some hail, as well as some heavy rain, and with the half term there is an increased number of tourists in this area.
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"The thunderstorms do then push north-eastwards into the Midlands and across more of Wales, but they also ease and break up, so these places will see some showers but they won't be as intense."
Mr Burkill went on to say Wednesday is likely to be hotter than Tuesday, with the possibility of a sizzling 28C or 29C in some areas.
And tomorrow temperatures are expected to begin to dip, though it should be fine and dry weather for most with the possibility of showers.
North East
Sunny intervals and a gentle breeze are likely, with highs of 16C today.
However, Thursday sees the temperature dip into the lower teens with a heightened chance of rain and overcast skies.
By the weekend, things should begin to pick up again with more sun and the chance of 19C.
North West
Highs of 24C are expected, according to weather charts.
But clear sunny skies this morning and the early part of the afternoon will be replaced by growing cloud cover before rain sets in overnight.
Temperatures will pick up again as the week draws to a close with Saturday having the potential for 20C, but the skies won't be as clear and sunny as the last couple of days.
Midlands
A much higher chance of rain in the middle of the country today despite temperatures expected to peak at 25C by around 3pm.
But from lunchtime onwards the cloud will increase and temperatures will continue to drop through tomorrow into the mid teens.
Friday, however, is set to be a bright sunny day with little chance of showers and highs of 20C.
South East
The rainy weather is unlikely to affect the majority of the south east, but instead may brush parts of the region later today.
There is the risk of thunderstorms to areas like Surrey and West Sussex in the evening, but much of the day will see temperatures in the mid 20s.
The weather front will continue to freshen things up tomorrow with temperatures dropping a little and high pressure will arrive into the weekend meaning showers are more likely.
South West
The South West saw a breakdown in the weather overnight with a yellow warning put in place from 5am.
Thundery showers should clear by the afternoon, with sunny spells moving in, with up to 21C in parts.
Thursday will be bright and sunny but with highs of just 16C, and failing to pick up into the weekend when more cloud is due.
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Very warm with a good deal of sunshine for most. Eastern coasts cooler with an onshore breeze and low cloud in the northeast.
Cloudier in the south with showers and some thunderstorms possible, these moving into some central areas later.
Tonight:
Thundery showers moving north, followed by clear spells, but also low cloud and coastal mist in the south.
A warm night, except in the north-east.
Thursday:
Showers across northern areas soon fading, then cloud breaking up to allow sunny spells, but scattered thunderstorms developing in some eastern parts of England where it will be very warm.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
A lot of fine and dry weather, although a few thundery showers remain possible, mainly in the SE Friday. Temperatures a little lower nationwide Friday, but recovering into the weekend.
