The sun will be cracking the pavements later this week as a second heatwave is expected to hit the region for a number of days.

Starting from today (August 10), temperatures across the North East and North Yorkshire are set to hit the high 20s in parts.

Already, many are reporting being unable to sleep due to the warm temperatures while dog owners are being urged to avoid walking their pets at midday.

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However, it looks like the hot spell could end with showers and thunderstorms.

The Met Office has updated its long-range forecast for the upcoming week - and conditions are likely to be quite different.

The forecast warns that heavier showers or thunderstorms will hit the UK between next Sunday and Tuesday.

So far, an exact time and date thunderstorms will hit has not been provided by the Met Office.

But according to NetWeather, parts of the North East including Darlington, could see thunderstorms arrive at around 7pm on Monday.

NetWeather reports there is a 63 percent chance of thunder to hit Darlington on Monday.

The Met Office said: "It will be an initially dry and very warm start to this period for most with some early mist or fog patches possible.

"The Northern Isles, and perhaps far northwest Scotland, may see cloud and patchy drizzle at times. From Monday, areas of rain or showers can be expected.

"Developing from the southwest, we may see showers turning thundery throughout the week across southwest England and Wales.

"Meanwhile the southeast may see more generally rainy conditions. More changeable weather prevails through this period, with risk of heavier showers or thunderstorms continuing, but clear and dry spells in between become possible for many.

"Temperatures initially cooling down to nearer normal and feeling humid, but returning to warm or very warm, becoming locally hot in much of England and Wales."

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