WORCESTER continues to bask in bright sunshine as the thunderstorms predicted for last night (Thursday) failed to materialise.

The Met Office issued a warning for severe rain on Wednesday morning but, while places further north were affected, the storms did not reach the county.

It was blue skies and sunshine with the temperatures reaching 22C today (Thursday).

It feels considerably cooler to earlier in the week when the county was the hottest place in the UK at one point on Tuesday afternoon with the mercury creeping over 30C.

However, the rain may still reach Worcester with showers predicted for Friday from around 5pm with temperatures reaching 24C.

Saturday may be the best day to get out the barbecue with sunny periods and a few showers.

However, there will be further rain in most places on Sunday, possibly heavy in places, with the temperature expected to reach 22C, according to The Met Office.

Dogs Trust's nine handy tips to keep your pets healthy and safe in the sun.

1. Don't excessively walk or over exercise your dog

2. Avoid walking your dog at the hottest times of the day - often morning or later in the evenings can be cooler

3. Always take plenty of water with you when out with your dog

4. Make sure the dog has shade to cool off in, either inside or when out

5. Take your dog to the groomers and keep their fur clipped

6. Dogs can get sun burned, especially white dogs or those with little hair, so try and keep them out of direct sun

7. Think twice about any car trips with your dog - avoid congested roads or busy times of day when they could overheat in the car if you are caught up in traffic

8. If driving with your dog plan your journey considering cooler times of the day and places to take breaks

9. Don't leave your dog in a car - as temperatures rise, dogs overheat quickly and leaving them for as little as 20 minutes could prove fatal