Weather watchers warning of a thundery end to Northamptonshire's mini-heatwave

Watch out for weather warnings across parts of Northamptonshire tomorrow (Thursday May 21) as the hottest day of the year so far is followed by the threat of thunderstorms and high winds.

Temperatures could peak at 27°C in parts of the county today but more unsettled weather is heading our way in the run-up to the Bank Holiday weekend.

And weather watchers say the weekend itself will bring a mixed bag of showers and sunshine with temperatures tumbling to a fresher 17°C — about average for this time of year.

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen, said: “Thursday will be another warm day with hazy sunshine although there is the potential for thunderstorms to develop across England.

"These are most likely across east England with frequent lightning, hail and torrential downpours in a few hours all possible.”

Thursday's rain is set to be followed by high winds on Friday as a front bringing low pressure blows across from the Atlantic.

Deputy chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert added: “On Friday, a deep area of low pressure will track to the northwest of the UK bringing a spell of strong winds and a risk of gales.

"Along with strong winds, it’ll turn showery over the weekend and temperatures will be much cooler than earlier in the week.”