People across Darlington and County Durham are being urged to keep an eye on the skies today after the Met Office issued a yellow thunderstorm warning over the North East.
The warning is in force for nine hours - from 12pm until 9pm - with heavy showers, thunderstorms and possible disruption expected through the afternoon and evening.
While Darlington is not currently forecast to see lightning or hail directly, forecasters have warned there is still a medium chance of thunderstorms developing and moving in from the West.
Some areas could see torrential downpours, with enough rain falling in a short period to cause localised flooding and travel disruption.
Here's how the weather is expected to unfold throughout August 28:
12pm
The afternoon will begin on a cloudy note with temperatures reaching 19C.
There is a 60 per cent chance of rain, while humidity remains high at 85 per cent - creating a muggy feel despite the lack of sunshine.
1pm
The chance of rain rises to 80 per cent as showers begin moving through the North East.
Temperatures will remain around 19C, although breaks in the cloud could allow occasional sunny spells between showers. Humidity will remain high at 83 per cent.
2pm
This is when conditions are expected to become more unsettled.
There is a 90 per cent chance of rain and some heavier downpours are likely. Temperatures will stay at 19C, with the odd glimpse of sunshine in between showers.
3pm
The wettest part of the day is expected during mid-afternoon.
Rain is highly likely with a 90 per cent chance of heavy downpours, while skies become noticeably darker as bursts of rain and dark clouds move through. Temperatures remain at 19C and humidity climbs back up to 85 per cent.
4pm
Heavy showers are expected continue, with an 80 per cent chance of rain.
The sky may brighten over the hour as some lighter conditions develop. Temperatures remain steady at 19C.
5pm
The weather should begin to ease as the afternoon progresses.
Rain chances fall to 70 per cent, while some sunshine reappears between lingering showers. Winds are also expected to strengthen slightly, helping to clear some of the heavier cloud.
6pm
By early evening, the worst and heaviest weather is expected to pass.
There is still a 50 per cent chance of rain, with cloudy skies continuing and temperatures holding at 19C.
7pm
Conditions continue to improve.
Temperatures dip slightly to 18C, while the chance of rain falls to 30 per cent. Most of the worst of the weather is expected to have eased by this stage.
8pm
The yellow weather warning remains in force for another hour, but conditions should be much calmer.
There is just a 10 per cent chance of rain, although skies will remain largely cloudy as the sun begins to set. Temperatures stay around 18C.
9pm
The Met Office yellow thunderstorm warning is expected to lift.
Rain should have cleared by this stage, but it will remain cloudy and muggy, with humidity levels beginning to climb as the evening progresses.
10pm
The evening ends on a cloudy but largely dry note.
Temperatures are expected to fall to 16C, with only a 10 per cent chance of rain.
Humidity will rise to 83 per cent and continue increasing overnight, potentially reaching around 91 per cent during the early hours of Saturday morning.
What is the Met Office warning for?
The Met Office says many places will avoid the worst conditions, but some areas could experience torrential downpours bringing 10mm to 20mm of rain in a short period, with up to 40mm possible where repeated showers develop.
Heavy rain could lead to localised flooding and travel disruption, while some parts of the North East may also see thunderstorms, lightning and hail.
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