FANS have been selling out at stores across York as residents prepare for the hottest day of the heatwave so far - followed by a risk of thunderstorms.

Temperatures are set to soar to 29C, or 84F, in York by tomorrow afternoon, and the Met Office has issued a ‘yellow - be aware’ warning of scattered thunderstorms on Friday afternoon and evening.

Forecasters say there is a small chance of homes and businesses being flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds. There is also a risk of train and bus cancellations and power cuts.

Saturday is set to be drier and fresher, with temperatures down to 22C, with Sunday seeing 23C and sunshine.

Residents struggling to keep cool during the recent heatwave have bought every single electric fan in stock at many York stores.

Sally Ashton, director of Barnitts, the home and garden products store in Colliergate, said it had sold hundreds and currently had none left.

She said they had been struggling to obtain fresh stocks from suppliers but had now managed to get some desk fans, which should be delivered to the shop by the end of the week. She added that sales of fly spray and paper had also been high in the hot weather.

Wilco at Clifton Moor said it had sold out of fans and was struggling to obtain more, and Argos’s website said fans were ‘not in stock’ at any of its stores in the York area.

However, the Press has found that fans are still available at Pextons Hardware shop in Bishopthorpe Road. Owner Dan Ebdon said he had bought "loads" in the spring, despite staff thinking it was "bonkers", and he therefore still had some in stock, despite selling many in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, actors performing in heavy costumes at the outdoor Rose Theatre near Clifford’s Tower, in roles such as Friar Lawrence, Macbeth and Bottom, have been protected from the heat during matinee performances by ice packs sewn into the sleeves of their costumes.

Visitors have already enjoyed more than 3,200 glasses of Pimms, 6,000 ice creams and 500 pots of strawberries in the heat.