THE heatwave may come to a dramatic end in York and North Yorkshire this afternoon, with the possibility of thunder, lightning and localised flooding.

The Met Office issued a yellow warning of heavy thundery showers from 1pm and until 11pm today as a cold front crosses the region.

It said these ‘had the potential to bring localised flooding, hail and frequent lightning.’

The storms may arrive after a muggy night last night and further very warm and sunny weather this morning, with temperatures again set to soar today to about 25C, or 77F, by early this afternoon.

Tomorrow is likely to be cooler and fresher, with maximum temperatures of about 20C, or 68F, and a little sunshine likely with a westerly breeze. Bank Holiday Monday is likely to be cooler still, with temperatures reaching only 16C amid cloudy weather, isolated showers and a chilly north easterly breeze.

Anyone heading to the coast will fare even worse, with temperatures expected to rise to just 14C. Warmer weather and sunshine is expected again on Tuesday, just after many people have returned to work, with further sunshine likely later in the week but little sign of an imminent return to heatwave conditions.

Temperatures reached 26C, or79 F, by 2pm yesterday at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, near Easingwold - making it the hottest day of the year so far.

The hot weather has been brought to the country on south-easterly breezes from the Continent caused by high pressure to the east of the UK.