Britain's record-breaking sun comes to an end with thunderstorms

Britain's Easter heatwave will end with a bang today as thunderstorms and hail sweep in across the country.

Sudden heavy rain, lightning strikes and gusty winds will break out across central and northern England from this afternoon, with the Met Office issuing a thunderstorm warning from 1pm amid concerns over power cuts.

Forecasters warned of damage to buildings and structures from lightning strikes as well as train delays - adding that driving conditions will be affected by spray, standing water or hail, leading to longer journey times by car.

Deckchairs and sun beds lie stacked on a deserted Bournemouth beach in Dorset in the rain this morning

Deckchairs and sun beds lie stacked on a deserted Bournemouth beach in Dorset in the rain this morning

People shelter from the rain as they walk a dog along the seafront at Bournemouth beach this morning

People shelter from the rain as they walk a dog along the seafront at Bournemouth beach this morning

A man goes for a swim on a near-deserted Bournemouth beach in Dorset this morning as the weather conditions turn

A man goes for a swim on a near-deserted Bournemouth beach in Dorset this morning as the weather conditions turn

A deserted Bournemouth Pier in the rain today as the Met Office warns of possible 60mph gusts leading to a named storm

A deserted Bournemouth Pier in the rain today as the Met Office warns of possible 60mph gusts leading to a named storm 

Deckchairs are placed out ready for use - but with no takers - on a deserted Bournemouth beach in Dorset this morning

Deckchairs are placed out ready for use - but with no takers - on a deserted Bournemouth beach in Dorset this morning

Deckchairs lie stacked in Bournemouth today as forecasters warned the weather will remain unsettled until the weekend

Deckchairs lie stacked in Bournemouth today as forecasters warned the weather will remain unsettled until the weekend

Up to one inch of rain could fall within an hour, with the weather expected to remain unsettled until the weekend - and the Met Office has also warned of possible 60mph gusts leading to the eighth named storm of the season. 

Flooding of homes and businesses is also possible, with the warnings representing an end to the scorching weather that has seen temperatures get above 73F (23C) somewhere in the UK for six days in row up to yesterday.

Top UK temperatures over the past six days
Yesterday - 76.6F / 24.8C (Porthmadog, North Wales) Easter Monday - 77F / 25C (Northolt, West London) Easter Sunday - 76.3F / 24.6C (London Heathrow) Saturday - 77.9F / 25.5C (Gosport, Hampshire) Good Friday - 76.1F / 24.5C (Wisley, Surrey) Thursday - 73.9F / 23.3C (Wiggonholt, West Sussex)

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