(Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
The North East is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching over 30C in the coming days, but many have been left asking when it will end.
Temperatures are set to rocket today (August 12) with Darlington expected to see highs of 30C between 4pm and 6pm.
The Met Office says the region will see dry conditions, strong sunshine, and temperatures rising rapidly through the morning.
But the scorching conditions will not last. Gradually, temperatures are set to fall over the weekend before cooler and wetter weather arrives next week
Sunseekers at Tynemouth Longsands Beach in North Tyneside enjoy record temperatures as the UK enjoys bank holiday weather.
(Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Friday will still be warm, with temperatures reaching 26C during the afternoon before falling to 23C by 6pm.
Saturday will see a further drop, with temperatures peaking at 22C.
Sunday will be cooler again, with highs of just 21C and an increasing chance of rain through the evening.
The biggest change is expected next week, with Monday bringing a much wetter spell and temperatures reaching around 22C.
Rain chances are forecast to reach 50 per cent during Monday, with temperatures remaining around 20C through the afternoon.
Tuesday will be cooler still, with a maximum temperature of 21C and a 30 per cent chance of rain during the daytime.
The solar eclipse tonight
The hot weather also coincides with a rare partial solar eclipse this evening.
The partial solar eclipse will grace the skies this evening (August 12), captivating stargazers in the North East and across the UK.
The rare celestial event will see the moon partially cover the sun, creating a dramatic spectacle as it passes between the Earth and our nearest star.
In the North East, the eclipse is expected to begin shortly after 6pm, peak at around 7.10pm, and finish at around 8pm.
For those planning to witness the eclipse, safety precautions should be taken to protect the eyes from the sun's rays.
(Image: Pixabay)
READ MORE:
- Hour-by-hour forecast as Darlington to be as hot as Lisbon with 30C+ temperatures
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- North East heatwave - Met Office forecast as temperatures set to hit 31C
The Met Office says the evening will be bright but hazy, with dry conditions persisting overnight.
It says: "High-level cloud will lead to a bright but hazy evening, with dry conditions persisting overnight. A few clear spells are likely, but another warm night is likely."