The Met Office has warned Britons to brace for thunderstorms in a sudden departure from the glorious sunshine covering the country.
The fresh wave of stormy conditions will include hail and heavy rain after the UK recorded its hottest day of the year yesterday.
Temperatures reached highs of 24C in Northolt, north west London, while the rest of the country enjoyed similarly toasty climes.
However, the week ahead is set to cool down as rain showers sweep the nation from Monday April 14 - although dry and sunny periods are possible.
Rain showers are set to sweep the UK next week
Met Office/PA
On Monday, the Met Office has warned that rain showers will move eastwards, settling over parts of the UK with a "risk of thunder", while the south east is expected to stay drier and warmer than most other regions.
It will stay chilly overnight, while temperatures during the day are expected to abide by the norm for the season's average.
From Thursday, the Met Office has forecast "much more mixed weather conditions than of late" accompanied with low pressure systems and the possibility of rain showers too.
It added that "some heavy rain and showers are likely at times" along with a risk of hail, thunder and "gusty winds".
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Some brighter, drier spells could be possible - although it is likely to be interrupted by cloud.
It concludes: "These unsettled, changeable conditions are most likely during the first half of this period. Later, there is a chance that more settled, drier but perhaps cooler weather cold develop across many parts of the UK."
However, the cooler weather is not expected to bring any relief to hay fever suffers as pollen rates surge across the nation.
Regions across London and the south east of England are set to endure "very high" pollen levels until Tuesday, while the rest of the UK will experience "high" levels.
The Met Office has warned Britons to brace for thunderstorms (Stock)
PA
Looking at the days ahead, meteorologist Honor Criswick said: "High pressure is going to sink southwards, and we are going to see something a bit more unsettled move its way into the north and then sink its way south-eastwards.
"There is a chance we could see some rain and some showers and possibly some thunder, as well.
"It’s later Saturday into Sunday that we start to see more and more of this unsettled weather, so Sunday is going to be more of an unsettled day for many compared to what we have seen recently."
Meteorologist Jim Dale said: "The breakdown in the fine weather is likely at the weekend, and from Sunday we will see something more unsettled and wet."
