The national forecaster said that scattered thunderstorms could bring a risk of sudden flooding and travel chaos on Saturday afternoon and night

And while temperatures are expected to peak on Saturday, with highs of 34C possible in eastern areas, the Met Office has also warned thunderstorms are likely across parts of northern England and Wales on Sunday from 3pm until 4am, issuing a yellow warning.

The UK has a 50:50 chance of seeing temperatures soar to 40°C again in the next 12 years, as the risk of extreme heat rises with climate change, the Met Office said.The meteorological experts also warned that far higher temperatures of 45°C or more “may be possible” in today’s climate,