A thunderstorm warning has been issued for Bolton as the sun is set to disappear for the rest of this week.

A yellow warning has been issued by the MetOffice for Wednesday and Thursday, with the potential for thunderstorms across much of the country.

The weather warning is in place from 6am Wednesday until the end of Thursday.

It states there is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds.

Power cuts could also be caused and train and bus services could be affected.

From Wednesday, Met Office forecaster Steven Keates said there will be a “big temperature contrast” between the north and the south of the country.

“There’s a chance that Wednesday could become the hottest day of the year," he added.

The Bolton News: (PA Graphics)(PA Graphics)

“But there’s a big temperature contrast across the North West versus the South East.”

Mr Keates added the sweltering start to the week will be followed by “three potential rounds of thunderstorms” moving from Europe on Wednesday night, and again on Friday and Sunday.

A dry start to Wednesday is predicted in Bolton with the potential for rain in the afternoon, with temperatures reaching 20°.

However, rain is predicted from the morning until the afternoon on Thursday with highs of 16°.