Shropshire set for heatwave conditions on Friday
The Met Office has issued a warning of heatwave conditions for Shropshire on Friday followed by heavy rain and thunderstorms on Saturday.
Hot air from the continent is set to move north over the UK in the coming days, with the potential for temperatures in Shropshire to hit 27C or above.
Night time temperatures are also likely to be well above average, with some places seeing overnight minimum around 17C.
Steve Ramsdale, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "Hot and very humid air coming up from the Spanish plateau will see some particularly high day and night temperatures as we head into the weekend.
Dr Paul Cosford, director for health protection at Public Health England, said: "While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
"During the day take care in the sun, don't over-exert yourself in heat, drink lots of cool fluids and keep an eye out for friends and neighbours, also do what you can to minimise your risk of a sunburn and try to keep sleeping areas cool."
Met Office meteorologists are also keeping a very close eye on the potential for widespread heavy thunderstorms on Saturday from what is known as a 'Spanish plume'.
A 'Spanish plume' is a term which describes a complex set of conditions where warm air from the continent is forced to rapidly rise when it meets cooler air from the Atlantic.
If this happens over the UK with the right conditions in the upper atmosphere, it can set off violent thunderstorms with the potential for some intense downpours and hail.
Andy Page, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said: "There is potential for some intense thunderstorms on Saturday which could see large rainfall totals in a short space of time, which can cause flash flooding, as well as lightning and large hail.
"However, there are a lot of factors that have to come together to set off this situation, so it remains a risk rather than a certainty at the moment. Our meteorologists will be monitoring this around-the-clock as the situation develops and we encourage everyone to stay up-to-date with the latest picture through our forecasts and warnings."
