Thunderstorms are set to strike parts of England and potentially disrupt Wimbledon over the weekend following high temperatures which prompted a yellow heat-health alert.
The Met Office has predicted temperatures of 27-30C across the country on Friday and into the weekend.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the weather agency issued the heat warning for London, the South East, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber, from Friday until Sunday morning.
People with pre-existing health conditions and the elderly were advised to be mindful of the humid and muggy weather.
However, thundery downpours are expected on Saturday evening, cooling down the conditions.
Grahame Madge of the Met Office said the thunderstorms would be “spectacular” as they would run down the “spine” of England.
Mr Madge said: “There will potentially be quite spectacular thunderstorms on Saturday running along the spine of England. Then we have a return to fresher conditions once that cold front has moved through.”
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The forecast suggests frequent lightning, hail and strong gusts could accompany the storms.
The temperatures preceding the adverse weather are not “heatwave territory” according to the weather service spokesman.
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He added: “The temperatures are high 20s and potentially 30C which would reach the threshold for a heatwave but we haven’t got the duration.”
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short lived, but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
Spells of rain are expected next week across parts of the UK and dampening play at Wimbledon.
