Thunderstorms and soaring temperatures have been forecast for Blackburn and wider parts of Lancashire this week.

In some parts of the county, the weather is set to be even hotter than the Greek island of Zante.

In Blackburn, the Ribble Valley, Hyndburn and Pendle temperatures are set to reach highs of 29°C today (June 12).

In Burnley and Rossendale temperatures are set to reach highs of 28°C.

It is set to turn cooler later this week, with highs of 24°C forecast.

It is set to be hotter than Zante in Greece this week, where temperatures are set to reach highs of 27°C today. It is also set to be wet and thundery on the island.

Parts of Lancashire, including Blackburn, Darwen and Burnley are currently covered by a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms. The warning is in place from midday until 9pm.

A yellow heat health warning is in place across the county until Tuesday (June 13).

Yellow alerts are issued when the temperature could affect those who are particularly vulnerable, such as the elderly with multiple health conditions.

Met Office chief meteorologist Frank Saunders, said: “Temperatures will increase into the weekend with a peak of 31°C expected on Saturday in central and southeast England.

"As the heat builds from the south, thundery showers will develop through Saturday afternoon and while not everyone in the warning area will see the heaviest showers, or even any rain at all, some will bring heavy thundery downpours.

"With intense showers there is a risk of surface water flooding which could cause some disruption – the very dry, baked ground may not help in that respect.” 

Weather forecast for Blackburn, according to the Met Office:

  • Monday, June 12: Yellow weather warning for thunderstorms. Highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C.
  • Tuesday, June 13: Sunny intervals. Highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C.
  • Wednesday, June 14: Sunny. Highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C.
  • Thursday, June 15:  Sunny. Highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C.
  • Friday, June 16: Sunny. Highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C.
  • Saturday, June 17: Sunny changing to cloudy. Highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C.
  • Sunday, June 18: Sunny changing to cloudy. Highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C.