UK weather forecast: Country to be battered by hail and thunderstorms before temperatures soar

The UK is set to be battered by hail and thunderstorms before temperatures are expected to rise to nearly 20C in some parts of the country.

Heavy rain and strong winds have been predicted for across Britain today, with forecasters warning of "showers in the south turning heavy for the afternoon and giving hail and thunder”.

Thunderstorms and showers are set to continue into the night, with bleak weather expected to last into Saturday.

Met Office forecaster Nicola Maxey said up to 10 to 15ml of rain could fall in some parts of the country.

She said: "The heaviest rain is going to be further north, but we will still see heavy showers in London and the South East.

"There's certainly a chance that we may see some hail mixed in with rain in the north, too."

Ms Maxey added there will be heavy rain across the South East and North East, as the bad weather moves across the country.

After a chilly few days, though, the country will see temperatures rise to about 17C as Sunday is predicted to be “fine and dry after a cold, frosty morning”.

“Large sunny spells” are likely in the capital on Sunday, with temperatures of 18C predicted for the following Monday and Tuesday.