Brits will be lashed by a rainy deluge in some regions before long term forecasts predict a sweltering 40C heat blast.
Heavy downpours punctuated warm conditions where much of the UK was experiencing temperatures in the mid 20s. But Thursday is expected to be calm for most, with the east coast of England and Scotland worst hit.
High pressure in the Atlantic is trying to work its way across the UK to settle things down a little bit as we head closer to the weekend.
Despite some overnight showers, which in parts could be heavy, on the east coast from Lincolnshire down to East Anglia, it will remain muggy and warm as we head into Thursday morning.
The weather front should pass across the North Sea by mid-afternoon with eastern Scotland and north east England set to have heavy downpours at times throughout the afternoon.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: "Western and northern areas will see a decent amount of sunshine. First thing, it will be a bit of a cloudy start across the south and east as the rain slowly pushes its way off. It could take until the middle part of the afternoon before eventually clears off parts of south east Kent and Essex.
"Elsewhere we turn into a day of sunshine and showers, particularly across eastern Scotland, down into eastern England into the afternoon. That's where we could see some of those showers really turning quite heavy, maybe with the odd rumble of thunder in the mixture as well."
Temperatures will not reach the highs of Wednesday, where the south east recorded 26C, but much of the country should creep past the 20C mark. The westerly winds should the warm conditions feel more bearable too.
Mr Vautrey added: "With those sunny intervals around, it does mean there will be plenty of late evening sunshine as we do head into the evening as well.
"Most areas staying dry, particularly across England and Wales, with just a scattering of showers still continuing across northern areas of Scotland."
UK 5 day weather forecast
Today:
Rain, locally heavy will clear southeast across England during the day. Drier and brighter conditions following from the west with sunny spells. A few showers possible mostly across Scotland and northern England. Feeling fresher with near normal temperatures.
Tonight:
Daytime showers across England and Wales fading leaving long clear spells. Across Scotland, showery outbreaks of rain will move east. Cloud and rain arriving across the west towards dawn.
Friday:
A bright start in the east, but cloud already across western areas will move east with outbreaks of mostly light rain, however some heaviest bursts are possible across Scotland. Windy.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Changeable on Saturday with outbreak of rain with brisk winds across the north. Mostly dry Sunday and Monday with sunny spells, scattered showers in the northwest. Temperatures near average.
