A 'YELLOW' warning has been issued for thunderstorms tonight in York and North Yorkshire, after temperatures have soared as high as 30C this afternoon.

The Met Office warning says scattered thunderstorms moving north could lead to some power cuts and travel delays, with a small chance of damage to property from lightning strikes, hail or strong winds.

Driving conditions could also be affected by spray, standing water and/or hail, leading to longer journey times.

Long sunny periods are set to take temperatures as high as 30C  - equivalent to 86F - by 5pm.

Temperatures are unlikely to fall below 19C tonight, making sleeping difficult for some even before any storms arrive.

Tomorrow will again be hot and humid, with a maximum of 27C forecast, and Thursday is set to be the hottest day, with a maximum of 31C expected. But the heatwave will be far more intense in London, where people may endure 37C on Thursday.

Cloudier, cooler and potentially wetter weather is expected by the weekend in York, with temperatures down to 'just' 21C on Saturday.

NHS Vale of York Clinical Commissioning Group is encouraging people to follow their ‘top tips’ for staying safe in the heatwave to avoid feeling unwell.

They are:

  1. Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
  2. If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
  3. Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle especially infants, young children or animals
  4. Keep indoor spaces cool by closing curtains and opening windows at cooler times of the day
  5. Avoid physical exertion
  6. Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
  7. Drink plenty of cold drinks

Nigel Wells, a GP and the CCG's clinical chair, said:“Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, babies and those with serious illness as they’re more likely to be effected by the heat.

"If you see someone struggling, offer them water and help them into the shade.”