THIS unusual spell of warm weather is set to come to an abrupt end towards the end of this week as The Met Office has issued a weather warning.

The North-East and North Yorkshire has been placed on high alert as forecasters expect thunderstorms to affect most of the region.

Valid from 12pm on Friday right up to 6am on Saturday*, the region may be affected by rain, strong winds and some hail.

The weather warning comes as the UK today recorded its hottest temperature this year as much of the North-East saw temperatures in the high 20s.

This mini-heatwave, which began on Tuesday, is expected to last until Thursday, coinciding with the latest weather warning.

But residents have been warned of possible disruption at the weekend following the Yellow weather warning. 

The Met Office said there was a 'small chance' that homes and businesses could be flooded, while there was a chance of disruption to the region's roads.

The forecast for the region

"Heavy showers and thunderstorms are likely to break out on Friday afternoon and evening.

"Many places will miss the storms, but where they do occur, torrential downpours could bring 30-50mm rain in a hour, with hail and lightning.

"The storms will slowly clear northeastwards on Friday night, perhaps not clearing northeast Scotland until Saturday morning."

*Valid at time of publication at 4pm on June 24.