Following a few days of sunshine, the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting showers will return to the Hunter this weekend, and continue into the new week.

A thunderstorm on Thursday evening is expected to start it off, with a very high chance of shower anticipated for Saturday and Sunday.

The downpour will likely accompany cooler conditions, with temperatures not anticipated to exceed 30 degrees.

While the weather will be cool and rainy, people are reminded the UV index will remain high throughout the week – very high on Friday, and extreme on the weekend.

Sun damage can still occur during this time, so those venturing outdoors into the rain should maintain protection they would use on a hot same.