THERE was plenty of variety today when it came to the weather.

Sizzling sunshine, pounding rain, hailstones and even a mini twister or funnel cloud appeared over the rooftops of Darlington.

While the UK enjoyed the hottest day of the year yesterday as temperatures peaked at 29.4C (85F) in Lossiemouth, north Scotland, today's downpours signalled an end to the summery weather.

Met Office forecaster Luke Miall said the worst of the weather was due in the North, where a yellow weather warning for rain was in place.

He said: "We will see some really quite torrential downpours. There could be frequent lightning, heavy rain, the risk of hail as well within those showers.

"All the while, much fresher conditions are starting to spread."

The country will feel "fresher" by the end of the weekend, with temperatures widely expected to be in the late teens and early 20s.

A funnel cloud often forms during heavy showers or thunderstorms and are caused by up and down draughts that can occur within cumulonimbus clouds.