BRITS are being braced for heavy showers and storms after soaking up the sunshine on the hottest day of the year yesterday.
The Met Office has issued a yellow thunderstorm warning today, with travel chaos and flooding likely for some parts of the UK.
PAA spectator shelters from the rain in the Wimbledon queue[/caption]
MET OfficeA yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for the north east of England and Scotland[/caption]
SelwynPicsRain arrives at Wimbledon this morning after the heatwave[/caption]
EPASunseekers tucked into ice creams as temperatures exceeded 34C yesterday[/caption]
It comes less than 24 hours after sun seekers basked in glorious sunshine yesterday, which was the hottest day of the year so far.
But now, the forecaster has put a yellow warning in place for the north east of England and Scotland – stretching from 11am to 6pm.
Brollies previously blocking out the sunshine are now being used to avoid the rain in the queue for Wimbledon tickets.
In its forecast this morning, the weather agency said “slow-moving heavy showers and thunderstorms may lead to some travel disruption and flooding in a few places”.
It continued: “There is a good chance driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water, leading to longer journey times by car and bus
“Possibly some flooding of a few homes and businesses leading to some damage to buildings or structures as well as some damage to a few buildings and structures from lightning strikes.
“Delays to train services are possible and some short term loss of power and other services is likely.”
Yesterday, temperatures exceeded 34C in some areas, sending Brits rushing to beaches and outdoor pools to cool off.
34.4C was recorded on the mercury in Writtle, Essex, trumping last year’s record high of 33.2C – recorded on June 21 in Charlwood, Surrey.
Met Office weather maps indicate that much of the eastern and north-east England, as well as Scotland, could receive heavy rain later today.
This includes the cities of Newcastle upon Tyne and Edinburgh as well as a number of other towns alongside the east coast.
Despite this rain, the Met Office has said that conditions are likely to become “drier and sunnier” as we head into the afternoon and evening.
Tonight, the forecaster added it would likely be a “fine” evening, with spells of sunshine ahead of dusk.
The “cooler” conditions are expected to come alongside clear skies for England and Wales overnight, leading to dry conditions.
Northern Ireland and Scotland are expected to be cloudier overnight, with showers slowly spreading eastward.
Yesterday, revellers flocked to beaches to soak up the best of the sunshine and work on their tans as temperatures soared into the mid-30s.
The 34.4C recorded yesterday exceeded the peak from Monday of 33.1C, measured at Heathrow Airport, which marked the hottest start to Wimbledon on record.
Yesterday’s hot weather also marked the second heatwave for parts of the UK within the last month.
Met OfficeParts of Scotland and the east coast of England could experience ‘thundery downpours’ later today[/caption]
ReutersYoungsters cooling off in the River Cherwell in Oxford during the hot weather yesterday[/caption]
Met OfficeRainfall has been forecast for much of the north east of England and eastern Scotland today[/caption]
Paul EdwardsTwo tennis fans enjoying a drink at Wimbledon as temperatures soared on Tuesday[/caption]
Since 1960, UK temperatures in June have surpassed 34C in only three years, with the hottest being 35.6C – recorded in 1976.
But despite the intense heat, sun-kissed Brits were pictured making the most of the weather, tucking into ice creams and relaxing by the sea.
The action has also been hotting up at Wimbledon, with tennis fans and players both trying to keep cool.
Met Office five-day forecast
Today: A mixed morning, with sunny spells and showery rain.
The rain could be heavy in the east, with perhaps the odd thundery downpour.
Tending to become drier and sunnier later in the afternoon and into the evening. Fresher for many.
Tonight: A fine evening with spells of sunshine ahead of dusk.
Dry for England and Wales overnight, with clear skies.
Cloudier for Northern Ireland and Scotland, with showers spreading eastwards. Cooler.
Thursday: A north-south split in the weather.
Rather cool with sunshine and frequent blustery showers across the north.
Mostly dry with warm spells of sunshine in the south.
Outlook for Friday to Sunday: Brisk winds and rain in the north Friday.
Dry and sunny in the south.
An unsettled weekend for most, with blustery showers.
Cool in the northwest, warmer in the southeast.
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