The Met Office has warned that heavy rain and thunderstorms are expected to affect 24 areas across the UK on Thursday. Starting from Wednesday, the weather will turn unsettled, with rain showers continuing into Thursday. The forecast indicates a mix of sunny spells and frequent rain, with some showers potentially being heavy, particularly in northern regions. Winds are expected to be brisk, making temperatures feel cooler. Greg Wolverson, the Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, mentioned that the upcoming weekend will also be unsettled due to an approaching Atlantic system. While Saturday may not be exceptionally windy, there is a risk of significant winds and disruptions depending on how a developing low-pressure area interacts with the jet stream. Rainfall totals could accumulate throughout the weekend, especially in parts of northwestern UK. The full list of affected areas includes major cities such as London, Greater Manchester, and various regions in Scotland.