Temperatures soaring across region, but will storms strike tonight?

Today people in Suffolk and north Essex were once again heading for the coast, wanting to cool down as temperatures rose to above the 30C (86F) mark.

Weatherquest forecaster Adam Dury said: “In most places it is about 30 to 31C (86 to 88F), which is similar to yesterday.” However, he said temperatures could potentially still climb further this afternoon.

As the heatwave continues, today fire crews are tackling the latest crop fire in the area, at Brandon, to try and stop it from reaching an area of Thetford Forest.

Thunderstorms are expected to hit in parts of East Suffolk and Essex this evening - but Mr Dury said it now looked as if parts of these areas would just have rain without the thunder and lightning.

Travis, Riley and Hayden Green enjoying the warm sea in Lowestoft Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

He added that the Bury St Edmunds area and West Suffolk were likely to miss the showers tonight altogether.

The thundery rain is expected to clear the region after midnight, and it looks set to be an uncomfortable and humid night.

Following the storms, tomorrow looks set to be cooler across the area, with Weatherquest predicting a maximum of 24-25C (75-77C).

Temperatures are likely to remain around the 22-23C (71-73F) mark for the next few days - but on Thursday it may be much cooler in some parts of East Suffolk. Mr Dury said temperatures could fall as low as 17C (63F) on that day, for parts of the area where it rains.

Travis, Riley and Hayden Green enjoying the warm sea in Lowestoft Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

The highest temperature recorded in the area yesterday was 32.3C (90.14F) at Cavendish, while Brooms Barn, near Bury St Edmunds, had a temperature of 31.4C (88.52F), and at Wattisham it was 30.2 (86.36F).