CRACKS of thunder have been heard in the skies above Brighton and Hove today as the city was hit by heavy rainfall.

However, the downpours are not expected to last with the Met Office predicting dry conditions tomorrow lasting through the weekend.

A spokesman for the weather service said: "Today, many southern and central areas will see some sunshine but also bands of showery rain, some of this heavy.

"There will be showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds in places, accentuating the cool feel."

He continued: "Tonight, there will be strong winds and heavy showers with possible thunder, affecting parts of south Wales then some southern and eastern counties of England.

"On Friday, eastern England will be seeing some heavier rain with strong winds; feeling cold.

"Elsewhere, there will be scattered showers near some coasts but mostly dry conditions inland.

"Between Saturday and Monday there will be plenty of fine, dry, albeit cool weather with chilly nights."

This is the Met Office's weather forecast for Brighton and Hove over the next few days:

  • Today

There is a 50 per cent chance of rain from now until 5pm when it will rise to 70 per cent. 

Dry conditions are expected between 7pm and 8pm, with heavy rain and dark crowds returning as the night draws in.

This is forecast to peak at 10pm.

Temperatures are currently at about 14C, but will fall to 11C late this evening, with rain continuing overnight.

  • Tomorrow

Temperatures will stay relatively low throughout the day, between 9C and 14C.

The chance of rain will never rise above 10 per cent, the Met Office predicts, but wind gusts will rise to 29C causing a cold feel in the air.

These wind gusts will reach speeds of 38mph.

  • Saturday

Temperatures will, again, drop slightly to between 7C and 13C.

But clear skies are expected throughout the day with a less than five per cent chance of rain.

Wind gust speeds will hit a high of 29mph.

  • Sunday

The sun will be hidden behind clouds throughout the day, the Met Office predict, but the chance of rain again remains low - ten per cent between 7am and 7pm.

Temperatures will stay within a range of 8C and 14C with wind gust speeds reaching 32mph.