Blink And You'll Miss It: Mini Heatwave Coming

Forecasts of hot and sunny weather have left the country desperate to break out the shorts and flip-flops - but excitement about a heatwave might be short-lived.

Thursday should be the sunniest day this week, with highs of around 22-24C over southeast England and East Anglia.

But while temperatures will climb further on Friday, there could be more puddle-hopping than sausage-barbecuing.

Sky's weather presenter Isobel Lang said: "Friday will be warmer over southeastern areas with highs of 25C (77F) possibly 27C (81F) although with a fair amount of cloud.

"Increased humidity is likely to trigger heavy showers and thunderstorms."

The Met Office has issued warnings of intense downpours across the south and east of England and the risk of flooding.

It added that "frequent lightning could prove to be an additional hazard".

The thundery downpours could give 15mm in less than an hour and up to 50mm within three hours.

And that will be the end of the much anticipated heatwave. Yes, just two days.

Temperatures at the weekend will fall to around 17-21C.

Lang said of Saturday and Sunday: "There will be blustery showers in northern parts and mainly fine weather with some sunshine in central and southern areas."