The region is set for a break from the 'hot and muggy' weather today as the Met Office predicts cloud, rain and a chance of thunderstorms.

Saturday (July 27) starts cloudy with outbreaks of showers throughout the morning. Clouds are expected to break up by the afternoon and give a mixture of bright and sunny spells, although there is still a chance of showers. 

Heavy showers are expected between 12pm and 3pm, with some of these possibly being thundery at times. Those heading to Darlington's  Hullabaloo in the Park may want to pack a waterproof jacket! 

Maximum temperature: 18C

Hour-by-hour weather for Darlington:

10am – 16C | 10% chance of rain

11am – 17C | 30% chance of rain

12pm – 18C | 50% chance of rain

1pm – 17C | 60% chance of rain

2pm – 17C | 60% chance of rain

3pm – 17C | 60% chance of rain

4pm – 17C | 50% chance of rain

5pm – 18C | 40% chance of rain

6pm – 18C | 30% chance of rain

7pm – 18C | 20% chance of rain

8pm –  17C | 10% chance of rain

9pm – 15C | < 5% chance of rain

10pm – 14C | < 5% chance of rain

11pm 14C | < 5% chance of rain

Daytime showers are set to dry away in the evening leaving a dryer night with cool spells for many. Rural spots may be chilly with some patches of fog forming by dawn. Minimum temperature: 5C 

Looking further into Sunday, early fog patches will clear early on in the day leaving behind a fine day with prolonged spells of sunshine. It will be warmer and more humid with some light winds. Maximum temperature: 23C