The heatwave is set to come to a spectacular end tonight when thunderstorms sweep across Essex - bringing torrential rain and even hail.

Parts of Britain could hit the 30c mark today, with forecasters predicting highs of 28c in Southend.

But the bright sunshine is expected to make way for cloud later today ahead of what could be a noisy night.

The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms and heavy rain for all of Essex.

Here's what to expect over the coming hours: 

6pm - Sunny intervals with temperatures at 26c

7pm - Cloudy with temperatures at 24c

8pm - Cloudy with temperatures at 23c

9pm - Heavy rain (80% chance) with temperatures at 21c

10pm - Heavy rain (80% chance) with temperatures at 21c

11pm - Hail with temperatures at 20c

12am - Light rain (50% chance) with temperatures at 20c

1am - Light shower (40% chance) with temperatures at 20c

2am - Heavy shower (60% chance) with temperatures at 19c

3am - Light rain (40% chance) with temperatures at 19c

4am - Light rain (50% chance) with temperatures at 19c

5am - Light shower (40% chance) with temperatures at 19c

6am - Light shower (40% chance) with temperatures at 18c

7am - Light shower (40% chance) with temperatures at 18c

8am - Light rain (40% chance) with temperatures at 19c

The rest of the day is expected to be largely cloudy with highs of 23c.

When will the thunderstorms hit?

The Met Office's weather warning is in place between 6pm today and 9am on Saturday.

Southend is likely to see storms around the time heavy rain is forecast, though forecasters are warning they could hit at any point.

The Essex Weather Centre has meanwhile said the county could be hit by three different waves of thunderstorms between tonight and Friday.

The yellow weather warning is in place amid concerns of potential flash flooding in places. 

The Met Office says to expect:

  • There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail and strong winds
  • Where flooding or lightning strikes occur, there is a chance of delays and some cancellations to train and bus services
  • Spray and sudden flooding could lead to difficult driving conditions and some road closures
  • There is a small chance that some communities become cut off by flooded roads
  • There is a slight chance that power cuts could occur and other services to some homes and businesses could be lost