THE region could be hit with thunderstorms and heavy rain later today as a weather warning has been issued.

The entire North East and North Yorkshire has been included in a Met Office yellow weather warning for thunderstorms.

In place since 9am this morning, the weather warning is set to remain in place until 6am on Wednesday.

Covering the entire region, forecasters warn of flooding and disruption to public transport, roads and rail.

It comes as the region enjoyed hot temperatures all throughout last week with the mercury hitting more than 27c in places.

The Northern Echo:

Met Office forecasters have said thundery showers are likely on Tuesday through to Friday, with the worst of it taking place from tomorrow morning.

The Met Office has warned residents to expect spray and sudden flooding which could lead to difficult driving conditions and possibly some road closures.

It said there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services where flooding occurs.

Meanwhile, it has said there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater or lightning strikes.

The forecast for the region

- Today

"A dry and largely sunny start. Heavy thundery showers developing by late morning, these becoming more widespread during the afternoon, with localised downpours and hail possible. Feeling very warm in light winds between any showers. Maximum temperature 25 °C."

- Tonight

"Heavy showers or longer spells of thundery rain continuing well into the evening. Becoming drier for a time overnight, but further heavy rain moving in from the west around dawn. Minimum temperature 10 °C."

- Wednesday

"Wet and cloudy at first. Turning brighter by midday, with sunny spells and frequent, perhaps thundery showers developing by the afternoon. A fresher feeling day and noticably breezier. Maximum temperature 20 °C."

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