Hottest day of the year to spark thunderstorms

Today is likely to be the hottest day of the year so far. The highest temperatures are expected across central and south-east England, with 34 or even 35C likely, probably somewhere in Cambridgeshire, Essex or Norfolk. Elsewhere across England and Wales, highs will typically reach 23 to 28C, whilst Scotland and Northern Ireland will be a fresher 18 to 22C.