Thunderstorms forecast to hit the North East and end mini heatwave

The Met Office has warned the region may be hit by thunderstorms and showers from 12pm on Friday, June 26, and 6am on Saturday, June 27.

Forecasters say thunderstorms and heavy showers may break out on Friday afternoon and evening which does mean there is a small chance homes and businesses could be flooded quickly.

A spokesman for the Met Office said: “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out on Friday afternoon and evening.

“Many places will miss the storms, but where they do occur, torrential downpours could bring 30-50mm rain in a hour, with hail and lightning.

“The storms will slowly clear northeastwards on Friday night, perhaps not clearing northeast Scotland until Saturday morning.”

Temperatures will soar today, Wednesday, June 24, and Thursday with highs of 27C forecast in the North East.

But spells of rain are predicted to move up the North East coast from late afternoon into the evening on Friday and there is a chance of thunderstorms.

How may this affect the North East?

There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services.

Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures.

There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads.

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