Brits are set for another hot and sunny day with temperatures hitting 24C but there are also warnings of showers, thunderstorms and even some hail today.
The UK enjoyed its hottest day of the year so far with the mercury rising to 27.5C at Heathrow airport on Tuesday but there were heavy showers for parts of the country in the evening and early on Wednesday.
Temperatures are set to be slightly lower today with highs of 24C but again there is a likelihood of heavy showers in between the sunny weather especially in the north and west.
It is also expected to be blustery in the north with strong winds and hail is a possibility overnight going into Thursday across central and eastern England.
“Over the next few days always a chance of rain or showers, thundery showers at that but mostly by night, by day some quieter weather until Friday," said Met Office forecaster Clare Nasir.
“For the time being this band of rain is heavy, strong winds associated with it across Northern Ireland and western Scotland, trailing down towards northern England and eastern counties where there could be the odd rumble of thunder associated with any showery burst.
"It is clearing very quickly up towards Shetland where we will see winds pick up to near gale force.”
For this morning there are likely to be showers remaining in Scotland but it should be fine and sunny.
Ms Nasir continued: "A bright day with some sunshine across much of England and Wales with a lighter breeze across the south as well as the east.
"Now across the south east, we saw the highest temperature of the year so far on Tuesday, a notch down on Wednesday, even so it is a pleasant morning.
"It’s a fine morning and even across the north west of Scotland you should find an improving picture here as those showers ease, you should see more in the way of brighter weather as the cloud breaks up.”
There is a warning of a band of rain moving in from the west with some “potent bursts” and bringing with it strong winds.
"Temperatures typically will be coming in around 20C for the Murray Firth and 24C for the London area and 18C for Northern Ireland," said Ms Nasir.
"Showers across the south coast will continue their migration northwards and more will gather across the Channel Islands, as well as the Brest peninsula, and these will have a thundery element to them.
"In fact overnight Wednesday into Thursday they will push their way northwards. So some thundery activity, some heavy bursts to come and even the risk of hail across central and eastern areas of England."
UK forecast for the next 5 days
Fine for many Wednesday, but rain or thundery showers overnight.
Today:
Early rain across northern Scotland clearing. Many parts then largely fine, and turning out warm across southeastern areas. Cloud and strengthening winds bring rain to Northern Ireland later, with showery rain into parts of Wales, southwest and central England.
Tonight:
Showery rain crossing much of Wales and England; some heavy downpours, lightning and perhaps hail possible across southeastern areas. Rain and strong winds crossing northern areas. Most parts drier later.
Thursday:
Many areas dry with decent sunny spells and patchy cloud. Despite temperatures being somewhat lower, it should feel pleasant in the sunshine. Northwest UK seeing scattered showers, especially western Scotland.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday:
Risk of some heavy, thundery rain across the extreme southeast on Friday. Otherwise showers will mainly affect northern and western areas, with sunny spells in between. Feeling fresher for all.
