RESIDENTS across Dorset are being advised to prepare for heavy showers, hail and thunder during half-term week.

The Met Office has provided a latest on weather in the coming week as families and parents scramble for events and activities to do with their children for half term.

The county has experienced mixed weather conditions over the previous days with some sunshine but mostly rain.

READ MORE: Things to do with kids this October half term in Dorset

Forecasters have said today will a day of sunshine and showers, with some heavier downpours possible and the chance of hail and thunder. It will remain breezy at times but pleasant enough in the sunshine with maximum a temperature reaching 15°C.

Tonight, The Met Office said showers will gradually fade through the evening until only isolated ones along the coast remain overnight. There will be a feeling of chill under prolonged clear intervals but more scattered cloud developing in the early hours. There will be a minimum temperature of 5°C.

The forecaster predicts a chilly start tomorrow morning, which will develop into a dry and fine day on Tuesday. Some early brightness before cloud builds through the day and a moderate breeze develops.

Tomorrow will feel milder than today with a maximum temperature of 16°C.

On Wednesday, there is the risk of patchy rain at times, but the Met Office said it should remain largely dry and cloudy.

It is predicted to remain dry and cloudy into Thursday, but again there is the risk of patchy rain at times.

On Friday it is expected to be more widely wet - and will turn mild throughout and windy at times.

A spokesman from the forecaster said: "Towards the end of October, Atlantic systems will move in from the west, bringing unsettled and windy conditions.

"On Friday, although the north and far southeast may see some dry spells, the weather will be unsettled for the rest of the UK, especially in central and western areas, where spells of prolonged heavy rain may develop.

"The weather will remain unsettled across the UK for the rest of October, with heavy rainfall likely to continue in the west.

"In the second half of the period, wettest in the west and northwest, but still with brief dry interludes.

"Driest conditions likely across some south and southeastern areas, with lighter winds and a risk of overnight fog towards the end of the period. Temperatures generally around or slightly above average."